It is very possible the water can soak through mortar when it is porous. Manufactured chimneys have a brick-look chimney surround that would keep the chimney dry.
Ask for TDH chimney housing kits at your local plumbing/heating/HVAC supplier.
http://www.heatpro.info heat/cool right-sizing
The Senate and House can not find a suitable health plan for the nation; they should open their own exclusive health plan booklet and start reading.