Piggott Masonic Lodge holds awards dinner

Those recognized at the annual awards dinner of Piggott Lodge #545 were, from left--John Clements for Mason of the Year, Tim Blair recipient of the community service award, Bob Byrd recipient of the Pillars of Solomon award along with the Master Masons who received their 50 year pins, James English and Burness W. Dalton.
(Times photo/Sue Blair)

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Past Worshipful Master Gerald Hoggard served as the master of ceremonies for the occasion, which began with a potluck dinner provided by the ladies of the lodge.

During the awards ceremony the first honor handed out was the community service award, which was presented to Tim Blair, news manager of The Piggott Times. Earning the title of Mason of the Year for 2010 was John Clements. This year's Pillars of Solomon award went to long-time local member Bob Byrd.

Members of the local lodge also recognized two Masons who have earned their 50-year pins. Hoggard and the other members of the lodge, along with their wives, presented the pins to James English of Barnhart, Mo., and Burness W. Dalton, formerly of Piggott and currently of Calhoun, Ga.

Following the awards ceremony, entertainment was provided by Mark Cave and the crowd was treated to a performance of "How Great Thou Art" by Byrd.

The Piggott Lodge was chartered around 1900 and meets at the lodge hall on North Second Street. The current Worshipful Master is Gaylon Burkman.