Anacapa Masonic Lodge No. 710
HIRAM AWARDS
The "Hiram Award" is the official recognition of a Brother by his own Lodge for his devoted service to that Lodge and to Masonic principles in general. Next to being elected to serve as Master of his Lodge, it is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a Brother by his Lodge. It is intended for the Brother who, year after year, displays his devotion without receiving special recognition or special honor, and who has unselfishly given of his time, talents, and energy for the betterment of his Lodge and Freemasonry.
The Hiram Award was designed to be presented to the "unsung hero" of every Lodge such as the volunteer who makes the coffee at each meeting, the one who sets the tables or arranges the furniture and ornaments in the Lodge room, the painter, the gardener, the handyman, the organist, the program chairman or any number of outstanding Brethren who consistently donate their time and talents to our beloved Fraternity or who have brought credit to the Craft by their community activities.
Every Lodge has many such members. They are the living cement that binds our Fraternity into a true Brotherhood. You will find them at labor in the kitchens, the coaching rooms, the committees, their churches and communities - anywhere that a true and steady hand of assistance is needed.
The Hiram Award was launched in February of 1977 at Galt Lodge No. 267. That first year only one Hiram Award was presented. But it quickly caught on and in 1978 forty were presented and in 1979 two hundred and fifty were presented. By 1980, nearly all Lodges participated in granting a Hiram Award.
Eduardo M. Austria
2007 Hiram Award Recipient
August 14, 2007
Eduardo Macaso Austria, PM
3030 Eden Street
Oxnard, CA 93033-5630
Dear Brother Austria:
It is indeed my privilege, pleasure and honor to add my congratulations on Anacapa Lodge No. 710's decision to honor you with the prestigious Hiram Award! Other than electing you as Worshipful Master, it is the highest award that a Lodge can confer upon a brother. You have chosen for this recognition because of your dedication and devotion to our beloved fraternity and to your lodge, you are an inspiration to others.
Our kind and gentle Craft is respected and will long continue, because of the service that brethren such as you have performed for your Lodge, your community and society in general! You practice Masonry's principles and tenets on a daily basis and have learned the lessons taught at our Altar very well.
Your Lodge, your community and society have been enriched by your service - and we are all grateful. Thank you.
I know that you will proudly wear the symbol signifying that you have been recognized for y our outstanding service with the Hiram Award. I am pleased to applaud the action taken by your Lodge - you are a Mason's Mason! Keep up the good work. Freemasonry needs you.
Sincerely and fraternally,
(Signed) Melvyn B. Stein
Grand Master
Award Presentation
Family Dinner
Audience
