The Quarry Observer

Cayce Masonic Lodge #384 A.F.M

Friday, December 5^th – 2026 Cayce Lodge Officers OPEN INSTALLATION, all invited 6:30pm

Saturday, December 13^th – Parade Parking FUNDRAISER contact Jason 803-422-0373

Monday, January 5^th – Business Meeting

Greetings from the East,

It is with a sad heart that I inform you of the passing of two members of our Masonic family. WB Howard “Bud” Culver and RWB Marvin Epting. WB Bud was a retired SFC from the US Army and served in both Korea and Vietnam. He was a 58 year member of Cayce Lodge having been raised on December 22nd 1967 and served as Worshipful Master in 1995. RWB Marvin was a WW2 Navy Veteran and 50+ year member of Batesburg-Leesville Lodge where he served as Worshipful Master and was the District Deputy Grand Master of the 8th District from 1985-87. He was well known and beloved in the Masonic family. Our thoughts and prayers are with both of these distinguished brothers and their families.

Although we had a small group for our December meeting we had a good meal and great fellowship. Thank you to all who came out. During our normal business it was decided to raise the lodge rental rates as they have been the same for many years. We then voted and agreed to allow FC brother Adrian Carter to take the Master Mason degree. Look for the date in the January letter. MW Barry then installed WB Jason as Secretary for 2026. Unfortunately WB Jason will not be able to attend the open installation so it was necessary we install him before December 27th. Thank you Jason for your many years as Secretary and your service to our Lodge and Masonry. Our Open Installation will be Friday the 5th at 6:30 PM. This is open to the public and I invite all to come out bring your family and support our incoming officers. Cayce Lodge will again this year be offering parking for the Cayce-West Columbia Parade on Saturday the 13th. Reserved front row parking will is $25 and general parking is $5. This is one of the fund raisers we use to support the lodge. If you are able to come and help keep this organized we could use the help. Also if you plan to come out for the parade please consider supporting the lodge with your parking,

My brothers, it has been my privilege to serve Cayce Lodge as Worshipful Master for the last 2 years. Although trying at times, it has been an honor to serve and I am grateful for the opportunity. To the officers and members who have always been there to help and support, each of you have kept me inspired. Some have given me an ear when I needed it, took part in a degree or came and helped on a work day or offered advice to keep me grounded, thank you so very much you will never know how much each of you have meant to me.

In talking with men from lodges, churches and other civic groups, all are suffering from the same lack of participation. All hear the same excuse “I don’t have time”. The truth is we all get 24 hours in a day, no more and no less. The issue is priorities. The world is becoming more and more hectic, however we all will make time for what is important to us. So, why is it that some seem to get so much out of Masonry (importance) and some seem to get very little? We all took the same degrees, given the same lectures exposed to the same symbols and presented with the same working tools. Why the difference? In today’s world of “instant gratification” many are not willing to put in the effort It takes to apply the teaching of Masonry and try to improve ourselves. It takes effort to get up and go be a part of the lodge. Although watching your favorite show or sports event or having a “cold one” after work instead of going to lodge is each person’s choice it is a priority issue not a time issue. It has been my observation that, most times, those who get the most out of masonry are those putting in the effort. Just my thoughts, from an “old has been”.

In closing I want to wish each of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Blessed New Year. May God bless and keep each and every one of you.

Mark Pridgen, PM, WM    

Greetings from the West!

I hope each of you enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with good food, laughter, and the company of those you hold dear. As we now turn the page to December, we prepare for another joyful Christmas season — a time of giving, gratitude, and celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. May this month bring blessings and a bit of Christmas magic to you and your families.

Cayce Lodge will hold its Open Installation of Officers this Friday, December 5th at 6:30 PM. This special ceremony is open to all — so bring your friends and families to witness and support our officers as they begin their work for the coming year. We hope to see the lodge filled with familiar faces and warm fellowship.

I want to express my sincere gratitude for the honor of being elected to serve as Master of the Lodge for 2026. I am excited for the opportunities ahead and eager to support the many fun and meaningful events we have planned. Working alongside this dedicated officer line is a privilege, and together I believe we will continue to make Cayce Lodge a place we are all proud to call home.

A heartfelt thank-you goes to W?B? Mark Pridgen for his steadfast mentorship over the years. His three terms as Master have left a lasting, positive impact on our lodge. His guidance, leadership, and example have helped shape the Mason and the man I strive to be.

I would also like to congratulate John Howell on his advancement to Senior Warden. After two years of excellent service as Junior Warden, he steps confidently into this next role — and I am grateful to have him at my side as we move forward.

To Jason Simpson, our Secretary — thank you for lending your knowledge and experience to our lodge. I know I’ll be relying heavily on your guidance throughout this journey.

To Bubba — I’m already looking forward to your meals! Your hard work behind the scenes brings joy (and full stomachs!) to us all.

And to Mark Hanslip, our Treasurer — thank you for taking on such an important responsibility. I have complete confidence in your care and stewardship of our finances.

Brothers, thank you again for the trust you have placed in me. As this year comes to a close, I wish each of you a very Merry Christmas and a season filled with peace, warmth, and family.

I look forward to seeing you in the East next year!

Dustan Eberhardt, SW       

Greetings from the South

I greet you all and hope that you and your families had a wonderful Thanksgiving and that you are all well.

Cayce 384 held its last business meeting of the year December 1st and we are extremely excited about the installation of officers on Friday December 5th for the ensuing year.

I personally would like to thank you all for supporting us it truly means a lot to us all. 

As we close this year I hope and pray that you all have a wonderful Merry Christmas and New Year. May God Bless you all.

We hope to have a Master Masons Degree in January so stay tuned for that. Until we meet again. 

John Howell, PM, JW

PRAYER LIST:

The United States of America

All the Troops, the Police and Firefighters, First Responders and all others who help protect and serve us, also all the Doctors and Nurses and others on the front lines.

Prayers for our Grand Lodge of SC, AFM

George Barber (surgery)

Jim Bickley

Wor. Bro. Julian Bevel and family

Linda Birchfield (Masonic Widow)

Debbie Boomer (health)

Bro. Bubba Burley and his wife

Scott Chattin & family (son’s health)

A.G. Dantzler

Michael and Stacy Dembitsky

Lyndsey (Dustan) Eberhardt’s father

RWB Marvin Epting’s family (passed)

Donna Gardner (WB Mark’s wife)

Mac Graham’s wife

Harold Griffith

MWB Steve Hames, GM (health)

Wor. Bro. Ron Horbal

Wor. Bro. Jeff Hutchison

Gary James wife

Barbara Jeffcoat (Masonic Widow)

Brother Richard Merritt & wife (Brenda)

Bro. Loy Miller’s wife (Claudette)

Brother Nate Meyers (health)

David Powell

Betty Price  (Masonic Widow)

WB Tommy Rivers and wife (Imogene)

Terri Smith (wife of RWB Ed)

WB Truett Templeton’s wife (Chloe)

MWB Sam Tennyson

Mike Vinson

Please help us keep this list updated by contacting the Lodge; any officer or brother; or by e-mail:

caycemasoniclodge384@gmail.com