The Masonic Information Center (MIC) has awarded Herndon Lodge one of just 18 national Mark Twain Awards for demonstrating excellence in 2011 Masonic activities.
The award recognizes Herndon Lodge's creation of new programs and enhanced activities that help to invigorate Freemasonry's identity throughout the community and enrich the quality of educational and fraternal experiences within the lodge.
During the past six years, the MIC, the information arm of the Masonic Service Association of North America (MSANA), has presented the Mark Twain Award distinction to more than 100 lodges across the continent. MASNA is headquartered in Silver Spring, Md.
The lodge's excellent communication with members and variety of programs for all ages were significant in achieving the Mark Twain designation.
Most historians believe that Freemasonry arose from stonemasons' guilds in the Middle Ages and began to flourish in the 1700s in Europe, the American Colonies, and Canada. Today, North America's Masonic Fraternity provides fellowship for more than 1.4 million members. Go to www.msana.com for more information about Freemasonry and the Mark Twain Award.