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(Blue Book Reg. 62.010)
One of the true joys frequenting of your lodge is the opportunity to present the Grand Lodge Award of Gold, the 75-year Awards, and the 50-year Past Master Awards along with your Lodge. Many of the gentlemen earning these awards have been an active part of your lodge over the years. This presentation is meaningful, knowing what they have given to the Fraternity over their years of service. It is imperative that we follow the correct procedures and do everything in our power to make this a special evening. The award presentation ceremony is available on the Grand Lodge Member's Portal under Lodge Resources, Award Information.
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The Indiana Rookie Award is presented to a new brother who meets a complete list of requirements. The checklist is downloadable from the Member's Portal in the Program section. Once the checklist has been completed, it must then be signed by the Worshipful Master, Lodge Secretary, and the award recipient. If your lodge desires to have a Grand Lodge officer present the award, please choose the desired date for your event. Simply mail the completed form to the program facilitator at the listed address, and he will process your request. The program certificate and lapel pin then will be mailed directly to your lodge Secretary. Sign Up Now
In the Indiana Freemason, there is a published list of Brothers who are eligible to receive their Award of Gold. At a recent Communication of the Grand Lodge of Indiana, a resolution was adopted so that a Brother might receive his Award of Gold in the year that he is eligible to receive it or even prior to the day he becomes eligible. Should you know of a Brother who is a snowbird, or ill, or who wishes to have the presentation made during a visit by a Grand Lodge Officer, you may encourage your lodge to schedule accordingly.
The Award of Gold can be presented at a stated or called meeting, or at a place of residence. The presentation can be a public function. Many lodges hold a public function, make the presentation, and then have some refreshments after the meeting. Cakes with the Masonic emblem on the top are very appropriate for these events.
The Silver Awards may be presented to any member who has been in good standing for a period of 25 years. The presentation of this award shall be made in the official ceremony approved by the Ritual Committee (1996 Proceedings pages 124-5). Again, this is a special event. For example, one lodge performs this ceremony in late spring each year and serves strawberry shortcakes and ice cream following the presentation.
Your lodge may have additional awards to present to the Master, such as a Past Master’s apron, a yearbook or photos of his year. Your Lodge may have a Mason of the Year or other special recognition awards for outstanding achievements or contributions to the lodge. Any such award may be presented at the pleasure of the Master. When making these presentations, we would encourage that they be public, if possible, so that the lodge can present the award to the recipient in front of his wife and family. As a new member, don't forget to ask how you can be involved!
There are a handful of other awards that the Grand Lodge of Indiana may bestow upon a Brother who has distinguished himself in Masonry, through military service, or in public life. For a complete list, check Chapter 62 of the Blue Book.
In addition to these awards, the Indiana Grand Lodge sponsors a Ritualist Program.This program encourages the newly raised Master Mason to begin the fulfilling journey into ritual work that so many of us enjoy. Furthermore, there is an enticement to enter the officer line while also pushing the Membership button.
The program is based on 39 parts and lectures which, when given in open Lodge, earn the brother specified points. Three levels of accomplishment are recognized: Ritualist, Senior Ritualist, and Master Ritualist.
The plan further offers experienced enrollees rewards for their past performances. Our Elders, who have previously carried the load, shouldn't be asked to perform it all again just because the program start date didn't coincide with their highly productive years. The ritual program is simple enough: do the work - earn the points - get the pin.
Once a Mason learns a part well enough to present it, presenting it is exactly what he wishes to do, and do often. This requires new members. New members join and become Ritualists. They, in turn, generate new members. The cycle is perpetuated. If this sounds vaguely familiar, it’s because Masons have been doing it for hundreds of years. The pin program serves to recognize and reward our heroes, along with administering a healthy dose of "follow the leader."
The Grand Lodge of Indiana would like to acknowledge the generosity of the Grand Lodge of Maine for allowing us the use of its concept.
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