Story and Photos by Cary Griffin, Forney Messenger

Jose Alfredo Gutierrez received Brooklyn Masonic Lodge’s 2009 Golden Trowel Award during a ceremony that took place during the lodge’s regular stated meeting Saturday evening, June 13.

The Golden Trowel Award is usually presented to a Mason who has rendered outstanding service to his lodge during the previous lodge year. However, it can be presented to a non-Mason who has rendered service to his or her community that is consistent with Masonic standards. The Golden Trowel Award was first presented at Brooklyn Lodge in 1998.

Mr. Gutierrez was initiated into Masonry in Brooklyn Lodge January 27, 2007. He was passed to the degree of Fellowcraft on March 12, 2007 and became a Master Mason April 1 of that year.

Gutierrez accepted the appointed position of Senior Steward the year he joined the lodge. He has served in that position ever since, and has accepted the post again for the coming lodge year. As Senior Steward, he has been in charge of food preparation in connection with stated and special meetings of the lodge. His service is rendered outstanding because of his outside occupation—as owner of both the Forney Cafe and the Country Smokehouse.

Jim Berry, District Deputy Grand Master for Masonic District 13, presented the Golden Trowel award to Mr. Gutierrez.

Below: Jose Alfredo Gutierrez is shown with his wife, Maria, and two sons after he received the Golden Trowel Award from Brooklyn Lodge #386, AF&AM Saturday evening, June 13.

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This story and any accompanying photo(s) were originally published in the Forney Messenger and are Copyright © 2009, Forney Messenger, Inc. and have been used by permission. The Forney Messenger is the publisher of Kaufman County’s oldest newspaper and may be found online at www.ForneyMessengerInc.com

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