Brothers, Ladies and Friends, the DeWitt Clinton Award is the first and only award of its kind to be
presented by The Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of
New York since its formation in 1781. The award recognizes distinguished
or outstanding community service by non-Masonic organizations or
individuals whose actions exemplify a shared concern for the well-being of
Mankind and a belief in the worldwide brotherhood of Man.
Each presentation of this award, in
public ceremonies throughout communities of this State, demonstrates
Freemasonry's historic concern and fraternal high esteem for voluntary
service and individual involvement through contributions of time, skills,
and financial support given freely toward truly significant endeavors in
the public interest. Tonight I have the extreme honor of presenting
this award to an outstanding and very deserving individual who through
generous, unselfish giving of time, talent and money has earned this
award.
Freemasons, whether as a Grand Lodge, as a Masonic District, as a
Masonic Lodge, as any of its several Masonic-related organizations, or as
as individual members of the Fraternity, have traditionally demonstrated
this concern within their communities.
Perhaps one of the earliest records of such action within New York
State is the support engendered by the Fraternity in developing public
education. The beginning of public schools in this State, and perhaps the
nation, is credited to the active role played by Masons. In the early
1800's, the Fraternity laid the groundwork for the establishment of a Free
School for poor children who did not qualify for private or parochial
schools at that time. In 1809, the first school building was opened with
impressive services at which DeWitt Clinton, then Grand Master of Masons
in the State of New York, delivered an eloquent address.
Much of what Masons do, or have done, in their
communities goes
unheralded, yet for the past two centuries their contributions have been
numerous, and continue to be encouraged by the Grand Lodge. Grand Lodge
annually recognizes local Lodges and Districts for their community service
with the presentation of the Masonic Award for Community Service "...with
Heart and Hands."
The national sum total of the Fraternity's support for such things as
scholarships; medical research; hospitals for crippled children; direct,
and indirect aid through research, to treat those who have suffered severe
burns, speech disorders, loss of eye sight, or mental illness; and a
myriad of other charitable and voluntary activities in communities across
the nation are estimated at well in excess of two million dollars a day.
The members of this Grand Lodge support the Masonic Medical Research
Laboratory in Utica, NY, which is devoted to scientific and biomedical
contributions of benefit to all Mankind; the area of research include
aging, heart, cancer, hypertension, and blood.
DeWitt Clinton's name and the meaning of the words "public service"
are said to be synonymous. His dedication and devotion to service in the
public interest, both as a member of the Fraternity and a citizen of the
State and nation, evoke that comparison.
He was a resourceful and energetic leader and an enthusiastic Mason.
The most convincing testimony in his acknowledged zeal for the Fraternity
is that he presided over the vast affairs of the Grand Lodge as Grand
Master for fourteen successive terms from 1806 to June, 1820 when he
declined re-election. Under his leadership, the Fraternity became a power
for good in civil life.
The son of James Clinton, Brigadier General in the patriot army of the
Revolution, DeWitt entered upon public service soon after graduation from
Columbia College. He held legislative offices in the State, served as
United States Senator, was Mayor of the City of New York, and was later
elected Governor of the State.
DeWitt Clinton was a constructive statesman of remarkable ability and
phenomenal popularity in his time. He was instrumental in establishing the
foundation of the great public education system of the State, an almost
single-handedly carried through the opening of the Erie Canal. These two
achievements alone mark him as one of the master builders among the
statesmen of his time.
His life was one of service to mankind. Honorable in all his dealings,
wholly devoted to the advancement of the welfare of his fellowmen, he will
ever be remembered by the Fraternity as a true exemplar of Freemasonry.
I now have the very great honor and utmost
pleasure of introducing to you our 2004 recipient of the prestigious
DeWitt Clinton Award; Mrs. Vivian E. Vosatka. Over the past 15 years
Mrs. Vosatka has knitted hundreds of tiny hats for premature babies and
dozens of lap robes for senior citizens in nursing homes. She also
makes faux fur blankets for our Brothers or Ladies who are undergoing
chemotherapy treatment. Brother Senior Deacon, kindly
escort Mrs. Vivian E. Vosatka to the East where I may greet her and our
District Deputy Grand Master, R\W\
Douglas Adams will present her
with this Award. (escorted by SD)
Please rise and join with me in a rousing round of applause for Mrs.
Vivian E. Vosatka.
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R\W\
Douglas W. Adams
presents the Dewitt Clinton Award
to Mrs. Vivian E. Vosatka |
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W\
James B. Tobin, Master of Pleasantville-Hiawatha Lodge
presents a bouquet of roses to
Mrs. Vivian E. Vosatka |
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