Remembering "The Judge" Charlie Wofford

Charlie makes a Brother duck...with a duck. Charlie had a somewhat exaggerated sense of humor. He was unafraid to startle those in his general vicinity with bizarre antics. I doubt the duck made it past dinner (but died laughing nonetheless). This priceless photo (probably circa 1959) was saved from the garbage can by a Gate City II brother.

Charles Augustus Wofford, in addition to being in the Guinness Book of World Records for Lodge attendance, was the first-line signature on hundreds of petitions. He died in May, 2004, only hours after missing his first meeting of Gate City since having been initiated in 1947. He was one of the true giants of Gate City Lodge and of Georgia Freemasonry. He was Potentate of the Yaarab Shrine in 1969, was a 33rd degree Scottish Rite Mason and a Superior Court Judge of Fulton County.

Charles Augustus Wofford was attentive, compassionate and caring.  Charlie worked behind the scenes and was never so much concerned with thanks and accolades.  He made things happen for people without ever having to tell them so or ever making them feel as if they owed him a favor.  He gave to others because he enjoyed seeing their progress in life.  Their success was his success.  

I remember one of his last meetings. For whatever reason, he felt compelled to address the Lodge. I do not recall his exact words. He told us how much Freemasonry meant to him. He spoke of the journey, fellowship and his personal enrichment. Charlie told us to stick with the Craft.

One of his statements left an indelible impression - this I do remember clearly. He sat back in his Treasurer's chair and told us, "I love Freemasonry. I love being in Lodge. If I were to sit back in this chair and die right now, that would be fine with me." One month later he was gone.

All Hail The Judge.

Gate City II is a Regular Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons working under the jurisdiction of The Grand Lodge of Georgia. Our regular meetings are the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays January – May, September – November, the 2nd Tuesday in June, August and December and the 4th Tuesday in July. We meet at the Atlanta Masonic Center (formerly The Atlanta Masonic Temple) 1690 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA 30309