Neighbor News
Tarzana Resident Honored with Masonic Award
Bro. David I. Karp is a Freemason devoted to his Lodge and the fraternity.
TARZANA, CA -- Tarzana resident and long-time Mason, David I. Karp, 66, received the prestigious Hiram Award from Clarence F. Smith Daylight Lodge, No. 866, Free and Accepted Masons of California (“CFS Daylight”) on December 10, 2020.
The Hiram Award, named for a legendary allegorical figure from the Bible, is conferred upon a Master Mason in California who has served his Lodge and the Masonic Fraternity with devotion over and above the ordinary. It is the highest honor (other than being Master of the Lodge) that can be bestowed on a member of a Masonic Lodge.
The Lodge selected Brother Karp to receive the award due to his dedicated service to the Lodge and to Freemasonry in general. The award comes from both the Lodge and also the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge Free and Accepted Masons of the State of California.
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A Master Mason since 1991, Karp affiliated with CFS Daylight Lodge in 2018, a recently formed Lodge at the time. Shortly after affiliating, he volunteered to be the editor of the Lodge’s monthly newsletter, a position he holds and enjoys to this day. He has also fulfilled other ad hoc roles in the Lodge.
The Master of the Lodge, Worshipful Celso V. Cardano, Jr., PM, convened the Hiram Award ceremony. Worshipful Alberto L. Casanova, Jr., PM, Inspector 705 Masonic District, led the event as Master of Ceremonies. (“Worshipful” is an honorific in Freemasonry, similar to “Your Honor” when addressing a judge.)
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The ceremony took place online because of the pandemic to allow participants to attend from the safety of their homes. Through the magic of the internet, Masons, family members and friends of Bro. Karp logged in from all over, not only from Southern California but from places as far away as Ontario Canada, Vermont, Georgia, Texas, Nevada, and Colorado.
After receiving the award, Karp addressed the assembly on the subject of “building community” within the Lodge, recognizing that groups such as Masonic Lodges “need nourishment and dedication from [their] members through traditions, behaviors, and a sharing of knowledge,” citing an online article from the THNK School of Creative Leadership at https://www.thnk.org/insights/building-a-community/ .
For those unfamiliar with the Lodge itself, Bro. Karp described it this way:
“We are a small group of men, maybe 42 of us in this Lodge, rich in diversity, but with common values. We are diverse in so many ways: by age, country of origin, cultural background, religion, education, language, trade or profession, personal interest, political affiliation, and so much more. Yet, our diversity is our strength. We celebrate our differences while meeting ‘on the level,’ that is, while treating one another equally, openly and honestly. We endeavor to meet, act and part harmoniously. Also, as Masons, we promote our ideals, values, ethics, efforts and good deeds in the community. As our Grand Lodge has stated, ‘We take responsibility for the well-being of our brothers, our families, and the community as a whole. We provide relief through philanthropy and community involvement,’ and in other ways.”
Bro. Karp added his ideas about why men affiliate with CFS Daylight Lodge:
“I think what brings us together is a desire for unity, in an otherwise divided society, and for positive connections with other people. Our lodge is a place, in-person or virtually, where we can leave the hostility, discord, and acrimony outside and find harmony, calm, and lasting friendships inside, in a safer, kinder, more temperate environment. We ‘spread the cement of brotherly love and affection’ with one another in Lodge, and try to lead by example when we leave the Lodge and return to a chaotic world.”
At the conclusion of his remarks, Karp conveyed his appreciation for the Lodge and Freemasonry, his joy in participating with such a group of fine men, and his thanks for being honored with the Hiram Award.
When the CFS Daylight Lodge meets in-person, not now, it meets at the Van Nuys Masonic Center on the first and third Saturdays of the month at 10AM. More information about the Lodge can be found at is at https://www.facebook.com/cfsdaylight/ . For information on Freemasonry in general, go to https://freemason.org/ .
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Contact:
David I. Karp, Newsletter Editor
Clarence F. Smith Daylight Lodge No. 866
818-515-9361
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