GOLDEN TROWEL AWARD   The Golden Trowel Award for 2009 for Carrollton Lodge 1400 went to Brother Tom Van Hoose.  He is a Past Master of the Lodge and has been chairman of the Take Time to Read committee for a number of years.  Brother Van Hoose was recognized for his loyal and unceasing devotion to our fraternity in general, and to Carrollton Lodge in particular. His many years of service has made him a most deserving candidate for this award. There has never been a time when he has not willing to step forward to meet the needs of Carrollton Lodge. His continuing service to the Lodge in the capacity of secretary is only a continuance of that Masonic fervor. He is a true Brother and a fine Mason. Our Lodge's love and respect for him is boundless.         The Golden Trowel is a Lodge’s formal recognition of a Brother for his devoted service to Masonic principles in general or to his Lodge.  It is intended to recognize the Brother who, year after year, quietly, but actively demonstrates his devotion to the teachings of Masonry without thought or recognition or special honors.   Every Lodge has such members.  They spread the living cement that builds our Fraternity into a true brotherhood.   You will find them at labor in the kitchens, on the work committees, in public office, on community projects, in service clubs, heavily involved in their church activities and in schools – anywhere that a true and steady hand of assistance is needed.   It is those Master Craftsmen that the Golden Trowel Award is designated as the highest Award a Lodge can bestow an individual member.   Previous recipients of the Golden Trowel by Carrollton Lodge 1400 are:         1990   Ward Steenson (posthumously)       1991   H. H. McInnish       1992   F. J. Douglas (posthumously)       1993   Milburn Gravley       1994   Bob Mauch       1995   George Randolph       1996   J. W. Thompson (posthoumously)       1997   Ronald Park       1998   Ralph E. (Butch) Watson       1999   John Bowser       2000   Jerry Miller       2000   Benney Harper       2001   Jack Draper       2002   David Riddle       2003   Frank Johnson       2006   George Mills, Jr.       2008   Autrey Perkins       2009   Tom Van Hoose