From the awards applications received, it was obvious that a lot of activity was happening at each lodge.　 The Awards Committee took a look at the award winner’s applications to see what made them stand out.　

The Awards were presented during the Friday Membership Banquet at Annual Communication on February 6, 2009 in Kearney.

The Rock Maul award winners (Omadi No. 5, South Sioux City – small lodge, and Plattsmouth No. 6 – large lodge) both exhibited strong leadership by the Master, Sr. and Jr. Wardens; had dynamic and interesting lodge meetings; were very effective in fostering fellowship; involved in their communities; provided good stewardship to their members; and had outstanding communications for their members and in their communities.

The Gold Pan award winner (Robert W. Furnas No. 265, Scottsbluff) stood out from the others by their advertisements; active fundraising; and involvement of six organizations in their event.

The Pillar award winners (Omadi No. 5, Plattsmouth No. 6, Papillion No. 39, North Bend No. #119, Custer No. 148, Broken Bow and George Lininger No. 268, Omaha) were strong in leadership; the conduct of their lodge meetings; cultivating fellowship in their Masonic ‘family;’, and provided good stewardship for their members.

The Grand Master’s Leadership award winners (Omadi No. 5, Papillion No. 39, North Bend No. 119 and Custer No. 148) were all strong in their community and fraternal activities; had outstanding leadership from the lodge officers; and met the Grand Master’s intent for building and sustaining lodges. Master of the Year was awarded to W.B. Kent Broyhill of Omadi Lodge No. 5.

Other awards presented were the Membership Awards for lodges with the highest percentage in membership gain. The large lodge award went to Springfield No. 112 and the small lodge award went to James L. Eatmon No. 294 in Kimball.

The overall Recruitment Award winner was Craig Crawford of Mizpah Lodge No. 302 in Omaha. Craig was the first-line signer on six petitions and the second-line signer on two petitions in 2008.

The Masonic CHIP Award was given to Vaughn Robertson of Lebanon Lodge No. 3 in Lincoln, Prince Hall Grand Lodge. Vaughn was involved in numerous events in the Lincoln and Omaha areas in 2008. The CHIP Award for a non-Mason was awarded to Ryan VanCleave, Chief of Police in Laurel. Ryan sought out the program in Laurel, contacted and worked with Laurel No. 248 to hold a two-day event at the Laurel-Concord Public School.

We appreciate the efforts of all the lodges that submitted applications, and encourage all lodges to use the awards to not only gain recognition for their efforts, but to assist them in a successful Masonic year.