History

History of Creasy Proctor Lodge

Early in 1946, Brother Albert C. Greene conceived the idea of forming a new lodge in
Fayetteville, N.C. As a result, a group of 49 members of Phoenix Lodge No. 8 was
granted a dispensation to form such a lodge. On August 6, 1946, Creasy Proctor Lodge
U.D. (under dispensation) held its first communication.

At this first communication, Brother Charles W. Seate was elected Treasurer and
Brother Rufus K. Moore, Jr., Secretary. The following appointments were announced
by Brother D. L. McRainey, the Master: Gilbert M. Honeycutt, Senior Warden; Luby J.
Gardner, Junior Warden; William A. Davidson and Albert C. Greene, Stewards; Harry
V. Deaver, Tyler. It is worthy to note that Brother Greene, who was the father of the
idea to form this lodge would accept appointment at the foot of the line of promotion.

At the Communication of the Grand Lodge of North Carolina in April 1947, a charter
was granted designating it as "Creasy Proctor Lodge No. 679". This Charter was dated
April 16, 1947, and signed by the new Grand Master, Most Worshipful Brother Luther
T. Hartsell, Jr. The lodge received its Charter and was consecrated in due and ancient
form on Tuesday, May 16, 1947, with Grand Master Hartsell presiding.

This lodge is named in honor of Reverend and Brother, Creasy Kinion Proctor, who for
18 years (from August 1, 1928, until his passing on June 15, 1946) was Superintendent
of Oxford Orphanage (Now named "The Masonic Home for Children-Oxford").

Recipient of many high honors from the Masonic Fraternity and its appendant
organizations. Creasy K. Proctor was best known for having devoted his life to the
children at our home in Oxford. He was a man of high mental and moral stature who was
held in the highest esteem by all who knew him, Masons and profane alike. His passing
brought a void to those who had known him and who had recognized in him the epitome
of all that a true Mason should be.

The Reverend Creasy Kinion Proctor, D.D.

Creasy Kinion Proctor, son of James Sydney Harris Proctor and Margaret Barbee, was
born September 4, 1889 in the Forest Hill section of Durham County, North Carolina.

He graduated from Trinity Park School in 1904, Trinity College in 1908, during which
he attended Kings Business School in Raleigh, N.C. He taught school for two years and
returned to Trinity College as instructor in chemistry and engaged in graduate study in
economics and chemistry. He accepted the principalship of Hookerton Collegiate
Institute in 1910. During this year, he decided to enter the Christian Ministry. He
received his theological training at Vanderbilt Theological Seminary, Nashville,
Tennessee, Union Theological Seminary and Columbia University, New York, N.Y.

He was ordained in the Western Oklahoma Conference of the Methodist Church.

He was raised in Albert Pike Lodge No. 162, Guthrie, Oklahoma, March 15, 1916.

He served as President of the Kiwanis Club, the Rotary Club, Granville Chamber of
Commerce, Oconeeche Council of Boy Scouts of America, and North Carolina
Orphanage Association. He was a Trustee of Duke University, where he was awarded
the honorary Omicron Delta Kappa key; of High Point College, where he was awarded
a Doctor of Divinity Degree.

March 25, 1913, he was united in marriage with Miss Mattie Culpepper of Wilson. His
son, Dr. Richard Culpepper Proctor, is a Professor at Bowman Gray School of
Medicine, Winston-Salem, N.C. His elder son, Sidney Kinion Proctor, is deceased.

He became Superintendent of Oxford Orphanage August 1, 1928 and served until his
death, June 25, 1946. He was interred in Elmwood Cemetery, Oxford, with Masonic
Rites conducted by the Grand Lodge of North Carolina. His grave is covered by a
simple sheet of marble inscribed in accordance with his wishes. Memorials on the
campus of Oxford Orphanage have been created by the erection of The Creasy Proctor
Recreation Center, and the Pulpit in the York Rite Memorial Chapel.

Important Dates

* August 6, 1946 - Dispensation Granted, Creasy Proctor Lodge U.D.
* April 16, 1947 - Charter granted by MW Bro. Luther T. Hartsell, Jr., Grand Master
of Masons in North Carolina.
* December 15, 1965 - Creasy Proctor Lodge purchased two acres of land on Village
   Drive, Fayetteville, North Carolina.
* January 7, 1972 - Cornerstone of Masonic Center of Fayetteville, N.C. Inc., was laid
   by MW Bro. William W. Mims Jr., Grand Master of Masons in North Carolina.
* November 28, 1972 - First meeting in Masonic Center, 2860 Village Drive,
Fayetteville, N.C.
* June 1976 - Completion of dining room.
* 1979 - Completion of kitchen and conference-library room.
* December 31, 1988 - Lodge membership - 728.
* April 16, 1997 - Creasy Proctor Lodge No. 679 celebrates 50th Anniversary.
* April 19, 1997 - Outdoor Third Degree held in celebration of the 50th Anniversary.
* April 14, 2007 - Creasy Proctor Lodge No. 679 celebrates 60th Anniversary.
* November 18, 2007 - Lodge membership - 422.