Masonic Life Network

Ted Hammond  received the high honor of the Hiram Award on June 15 after a prime rib dinner at  Evergreen Lodge in Riverside. Bro. Hammond  had  at least 60 attend the event . Former  recipients of the Award , Vic Ropac,  John Channon , and Howard  Born gave  various parts of the presentation followed by acting Master , Tom Philp presenting the award. Ted’s  family was  well represented as well as members of his church and  the lodge. Various stories about Ted were told and  Bro. Ted  gave us  some stories of his friendships with  John Vanderzyl  and  some  history of the lodge.

The “Hiram Award Program” is the official recognition of a Brother by his own Lodge for his devoted service to that Lodge and to Masonic principles in general. It is intended for the Brother who, year after year, displays his devotion without receiving special recognition or special honor. 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 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 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. 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. The Brother who has been selected as a Hiram Award recipient is being singled out as your individual Lodge’s choice. This is the highest honor which can be bestowed upon a member that has unselfishly given of his time, talents and energy for the betterment of his Lodge and Freemasonry. The real warmth and pleasure of being chosen for this special honor is most satisfying, because it comes directly from the Brethren and friends he has accumulated within his community.

Temescal Palms Lodge #314 has chosen for its 2012 recipient for this prestigious award, Worshipful Brother Daniel J. Malinowski. Dan was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on June 6, 1960 in Tadmor Lodge #923, Queens, New York. He severed as its Master in 1969. Dan spent many of his early Masonic years traveling and working for the Mobil Oil Corp. When Dan finally settled down he did so in Corona and found his way to our humble lodge and we have been made better for it. Dan and his wife Evie have found a home at Temescal Palms and Dan started helping from day one and has not stopped. Dan is also a senior DeMolay and a Scottish Rite Mason of the Valley of Alexandria, Orient of Virginia. Dan, from day one, has helped out in the kitchen and has become our go to guy for dinners. He also helps whenever needed in our ritual, giving us a taste of New York ritual from time to time. Dan has been a constant help with educating and coaching our Candidates. Dan also helps with the operation of the Temple and the lodges Trustees.

Dan Malinowski exemplifies what it means to be a Mason, and I applaud him and welcome him to the ranks of those who cannot say no.

Congratulations Worshipful Brother Daniel J. Malinowski, Temescal Palms Lodge #314, 2012 Hiram Award recipient.

Submitted By:

Walter E. McCurry