Masons resume in-person Central Children’s Home Day

Central Children’s Home Day in Oxford was held in-person Saturday for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic.

The CCH property was covered with classic cars and motorcycles, the enticing smoke of barbecue being cooked, and brighly colored banners, as the statewide community of Prince Hall Affiliated Masonic organizations came together to raise money for — and celebrate the work of — the children’s home.

“This is a fundraiser to help the Central Children’s Home,” said Telessie McGhee, a Past Master and Past Grand Worthy Patron currently serving as Patron of the Conference of Grand Worthy Matrons and Grand Worthy Patrons, Prince Hall Affiliated.

McGhee said Masons from all over North Carolina were at Central Children’s Home for the event. He said funds raised help Central Children’s Home pay down debt, pay workers and cover other expenses of operating the home.

McGhee, who belongs to Blooming Star Lodge #53 in Oxford, noteds that the event included Gospel singing, food, and vendors that included Masonic Lodges, Order of Eastern Star Chapters, and fraternities, sororities and churches from across the state.

He said that in addition to rallying around Central Children’s Home, lodges and chapters were also using the occasion to raise money for scholarships and other benevolent projects in their communities.

Daniel L. “DT” Thompson, who is president of the Board of Directors for Central Children’s Home and Most Worshipful Grand Master for the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge in North Carolina, said it was exciting to come together for the first time since COVID and observe the 25th Anniversary of Central Children’s Home Day.

“This is a great event,” Thompson said. “It’s a great opportunity not only for the community but for the stakeholders and the donors to come together and see each other again.”

Thompson also noted it was the first time the classic car show had been part of the celebration.

John Fitzgerald, who lives in the Wilton community, had his 2004 Ford Mustang on display at the car show.

He said he enjoys participating in classic car events and does a lot of them.

“When the weather is nice on the weekend, I’m out,” he said. “My favorite thing is actually cruises — just driving around on the back roads.”

Fitzgerald said he liked the atmosphere at Saturday’s car show.
“I really like small events like this,” he said.

And he said he was glad to have a part in supporting Central Children’s Home.

“Most of the car shows that I go to are for charities,” Fitzgerald said. “It goes to a good cause and I get to look at a lot of neat cars. It’s just fun. Car people are fun.”

Fitzgerald bought the Mustang new in 2004 while he was stationed in Hawaii with the U.S. Air Force.

“It just turned 20 in April,” Fitzgerald said. “I’m the only owner and I’m going to be the only owner.”

Ron Robertson, who is Past Master and Senior Warden of Mt. Vernon Lodge #74 in Creedmoor, was busy selling raffle tickets to raise money for the children’s home.

“It’s important to help out,” Robertson said. “We’re always doing things to help out in the community.”

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