The Moore Brothers:A Combined Legacy of Over 155 Years of Masonic ServiceBy Robert Mullis PDDGM 29th Masonic District
In Monroe, North Carolina, three brothers; Galard C Moore, Jr., Douglas S. Moore Sr., and James C Moore, stand as living examples of Masonic principles in action. With a combined legacy of over 155 years of masonic service, they continue to embody the values of Freemasonry while actively serving their lodges, communities, and the greater Masonic bodies.
In Monroe, North Carolina, three brothers; Galard C Moore, Jr., Douglas S. Moore Sr., and James C Moore, stand as living examples of Masonic principles in action. With a combined legacy of over 155 years of masonic service, they continue to embody the values of Freemasonry while actively serving their lodges, communities, and the greater Masonic bodies.
Galard C. Moore, Jr.
Galand C. Moore, Jr., was born in 1940, was raised in Monroe Lodge No.244 on June 29, 1972, and has 52 years of service. Over the decades, Galard has held numerous significant roles, including serving twice as Master of Monroe Lodge, in 1979 and 1994, while he was also serving as Grand High Priest of the Royal Arch Masons of North Carolina. He served as Grand Royal Arch Captain of the General Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons International from 2000 to 2003. Galard also served as Great Chief of the Grand Council of Knight Masons of the United States. He just recently retired as the Secretary of the Knight Masons of North Carolina, a position he held for 35 years. His work extends far beyond the lodge walls; Galard has contributed to both the physical and symbolic growth of Masonry in North Carolina. Together with his brother Douglas, he helped oversee the expansion of Monroe Lodge and the construction of the Charlotte York Rite Temple and served on the construction committee of both Masonic homes. Galard remains actively involved in volunteering, and improving the lodge facilities.
Douglas S. Moore, Sr.
Douglas S. Moore, Sr., born in 1941, was raised in Monroe Lodge No. 244 on January 27, 1972, and can boast greater than 52 years of service. Douglas’s Masonic journey is deeply intertwined with the founding, history, and progress of Truth Lodge No. 749, where he proudly serving his second term as Master during its 50th year - a milestone that marks both the lodge’s history and Douglas’s enduring commitment to the Craft and the institution. Doug is actively supportive of both lodges in Monroe where he also served as Master of Monroe No. 244. He has held numerous leadership positions, including Past District Deputy Grand Lecturer, Past District Deputy Grand Master of the 39th Masonic District of North Carolina, and Grand Tyler of the Grand Lodge of North Carolina. His work has been recognized by his peers through awards such as the Joseph Montfort Medal for Meritorious Service. In 2015, he served as Sovereign Grand Master of the Allied Masonic Degrees of the United States, and in 2024, he was presented with its prestigious Edward G. Fowler Award. Doug’s leadership, both in Freemasonry and in his community, exemplifies the best of a servant’s heart. Doug’s support of the fraternity continues through the next generation, as his two sons have been members of Monroe Lodge No.244 for over 25 years.
James C. Moore
James C. Moore, born in 1949, was raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on September 18, 1973, in Truth Lodge No.749 AF & AM. Over the last 51 years, James has demonstrated consistent leadership and dedication to the Craft. He has served as Master of both Truth Lodge in Monroe, NC, and Nelms Lodge No.323 in Smyrna, GA. His current role as Master of James E. Sledge Lodge No. 742 in Smyrna, GA, and his service as the District Deputy to the Grand Master for District #7C in Georgia further reflect his commitment to Freemasonry. As a 45 year member of Monroe York Rite, a 50-year member of Truth Lodge No.749, the Shrine, and the Carolina Consistory Scottish Rite Valley of Charlotte, Jim exemplifies the longevity and passion that Freemasonry fosters in its members.
Together, the Moore brothers represent more than a century and a half of very active Masonic service, each contributing uniquely and quietly to the Craft. Their combined 155 years of dedication is not only a testament to their individual perseverance but also an example of how one family can help Freemasonry shape lives and strengthen communities.
The Moore brothers continue to be pillars of Masonic leadership in North Carolina. Their work, whether through mentorship, lodge leadership, or community service, is an embodiment of the values and teachings of Freemasonry. As they continue their journeys, their example should serve as a reminder that Masonry is not just a set of teachings, a charitable endeavor, or ritualistic perfection, but a lifelong commitment to self- improvement and service to others.
Their contributions are particularly notable at a time when the fraternity is evolving and looking to inspire the next generation of Masons. The legacy that Galard, Doug, and Jim Moore have built is not merely a reflection of the past but a living, breathing example of Masonry’s enduring relevance in the modern world.
Those who know Doug have often heard him recite this poem, which, to the author of this article, offers an inspiring perspective on life and the way we serve one another.
JUST A LITTLE MOREI recall the kind old grocer When the sugar he would pour,How he'd tip the scale to balance, Then he'd add just a little bit more.
My, how business prospered, Folks were always at his store, For he'd give an honest measure, Then he'd add just a little more.
So it is with life, my Brothers, We would build a better score, If, when we've done what is expected,We would add just a little more.
-- Author Unknown
"You and I are the key to the success of Masonry. How we live, and how, through our daily lives, we teach the true meaning of Masonry. It is harder, but more effective, to walk the walk than to talk the talk. We cannot be satisfied with the status quo. It again comes back to you and me." - Doug Moore Sr.
As Masons we can appreciate that service to the fraternity is the highest form of Masonic honor. The Moore brothers have demonstrated this through the work they do every day—leading lodges, improving their communities, and upholding the traditions that make Freemasonry such a profound and transformative experience. Their efforts continue to exemplify the very best of what it means to be a Mason: dedicated to service, honorable as men, and ever striving to make the community a better place for others.
The Moore brothers continue to be pillars of Masonic leadership in North Carolina. Their work, whether through mentorship, lodge leadership, or community service, is an embodiment of the values and teachings of Freemasonry. As they continue their journeys, their example should serve as a reminder that Masonry is not just a set of teachings, a charitable endeavor, or ritualistic perfection, but a lifelong commitment to self- improvement and service to others.
Their contributions are particularly notable at a time when the fraternity is evolving and looking to inspire the next generation of Masons. The legacy that Galard, Doug, and Jim Moore have built is not merely a reflection of the past but a living, breathing example of Masonry’s enduring relevance in the modern world.
Those who know Doug have often heard him recite this poem, which, to the author of this article, offers an inspiring perspective on life and the way we serve one another.
JUST A LITTLE MOREI recall the kind old grocer When the sugar he would pour,How he'd tip the scale to balance, Then he'd add just a little bit more.
My, how business prospered, Folks were always at his store, For he'd give an honest measure, Then he'd add just a little more.
So it is with life, my Brothers, We would build a better score, If, when we've done what is expected,We would add just a little more.
-- Author Unknown
"You and I are the key to the success of Masonry. How we live, and how, through our daily lives, we teach the true meaning of Masonry. It is harder, but more effective, to walk the walk than to talk the talk. We cannot be satisfied with the status quo. It again comes back to you and me." - Doug Moore Sr.
As Masons we can appreciate that service to the fraternity is the highest form of Masonic honor. The Moore brothers have demonstrated this through the work they do every day—leading lodges, improving their communities, and upholding the traditions that make Freemasonry such a profound and transformative experience. Their efforts continue to exemplify the very best of what it means to be a Mason: dedicated to service, honorable as men, and ever striving to make the community a better place for others.