April 21, 2017 - Joaquin Masonic Lodge #856 bestowed one of their own, Vance Jordan, with the highest honor a lodge can bestow April 15, 2017 the Golden Trowel Award.
Fellow Masons gathered at the lodge, as well as friends and family to celebrate with Jordan in his recognition.
A history of Jordan's devotion to Masonry was given and some highlights of that history included his becoming a Master Mason in 1994; a past Master of Joaquin lodge four times over, which is a record, and a past District Deputy Grand Master for 2010-2011.
Jordan, and his wife Cathy, were escorted to the center of the room where Worshipful Master Jimmy Wagstaff presented Jordan with a flag which had been flown over the state capitol in his honor Thursday, April 13, 2017 and it was received from Rep. Chris Paddie, who also wrote a letter to the lodge and Jordan in recognition of his honor.
Wagstaff then presented Jordan with the Golden Trowel Award and an accompanying certificate, which Wagstaff read aloud, "This Golden Trowel Award presented to Leland Vance Jordan, Jr. in grateful appreciation for spreading the cement of brotherly love and friendship with all the skill of a master craftsman. Joaquin Lodge #856 Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons Joaquin, Texas hereby award the Golden Trowel to the above brother in the highest award a lodge can bestow upon an individual member."
Jordan's father was a Mason and since his childhood he knew he wanted to one day follow in his footsteps. Following starting a family and many years in the oilfield industry, he joined the Masons. Jordan addressed all present and thanked them for their attendance, sharing his shock at receiving the honor and giving a brief history of his time and experiences in Masonry, before the event was adjourned.
