New Blue Lodge Recognition Announced

by David E. Barnes, 33˚, Active for New York

Each year, Blue Lodges around the jurisdiction rededicate themselves to the ongoing work of Freemasonry. The Supreme Council Strategic Planning Committee has developed a distinguished recognition, based on a model informally used in Ohio, that Valleys can present to lodges that are celebrating significant milestones.

Called the Benjamin Franklin Award of Distinction, it can be given to any lodge in the NMJ to recognize 50 years of service and 25-year increments thereafter. Valley Secretaries can submit requests using the form available at: srnmj.us/FranklinAward

Once all requisite information is submitted, the plaque will be produced and shipped to the Valley for presentation. Plaques will take approximately six to eight weeks to produce once all information is provided.

The plaque will have a raised design and will feature the image of Brother Benjamin Franklin, the double-headed eagle of the Scottish Rite, the square and compasses, and the following quote in brass lettering:

Masonic labor is purely a labor of love. The wages of a Mason are earned and paid in their dealings with one another; sympathy that begets sympathy, kindness begets kindness, and these are the wages of a Mason.—Benjamin Franklin

Brother Franklin served as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.

This award will provide yet another tool for Valleys to utilize as they work with lodges in their area to promote Masonry throughout the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction.

The Benjamin Franklin Award of Distinction