The Allen James Sayer Memorial Award
This Award is dedicated to the glory of the G.A.O.T.U. and in memory of the late Allen James Sayer who distinguished himself within our fraternity and his community. He was a member and Past Master of Hiram Lodge No. 319 Hagersville. He served the craft in many ways which are far to exhaustive to pay tribute at this point, suffice it to mention that he served as the District Blood Donor Chairman in 1989-1990. In his life, Allen exemplified the attributes that all Mason's profess and thus becomes an ideal candidate for this Award to pay tribute. Masonic Charity has his focal point.
The design chosen, which was deemed to represent the purpose of the Award, was a Square and Compass formed in a tripod and fabricated of Cherry wood. A shelf is mounted at the junction of the two working tools which supports a hand crafted native vase illustrating the Masonic Blood Donors emblem and depicting the unique native tradition of our District.
The wood for construction was donated by R.W. Bro. Kenneth Goodbrand.
The construction and design of the Square and Compass tripod was completed by the excellent craftsmanship, skilful and talented efforts of V.W. Bro. Emil Fritscher.
The native vase was crafted by Mr. Steven Smith of Talking Earth Pottery. This is an original and contemporary piece of handmade Iroquois pottery. The emblems on the vase depict both Masonic working tools as well as native symbolism. A more detailed explanation of the whole follows.
Talking Earth Pottery
This is an original and contemporary piece of Canadian Iroquois pottery. This piece has both the symbols of the Masons and traditional Iroquois symbols, both of which compliment each I other and aspire to achieve the same principals. This has been specially commissioned in memory of Allen James Sayer.
The men holding hands is a wampum belt design symbolising fraternity, unity and piece. The eagle symbolises strength, vision, courage and guardianship. The white pine is the tree of peace, symbolising shelter and caring for other human beings. The turtle symbolises the balance of the fertile land and life-sustaining water.
Steve T. Smith
Other Masonic Symbols on the Vase are the Square, Level and Plumb Rule known as the moveable jewels depicting Morality, Equality, and Justness & Uprightness of mind. Jacob's 1 Ladder reminding us of our Faith in the G.A.O.T.U., Hope in Salvation and Charity towards alI men which comprehends the whole of Masonry. The Hour Glass that points out to us, that our time is limited, and that we will be called to render an account of our deeds done in the body.
In the centre of the award and predominately at the front of the vase, the Blood Donors Emblem, the Square and Compasses which when united are to remind us to regulate our life and actions and keep us in due bounds with all mankind. And finally, the focal point of the award is an emblem of a drop of blood, 'The Gift of Life'.
R.W. Bro. Gerald E. Postill
District Deputy Grand Master (1997-1998)
Brant Masonic District
A copy of the Report of the Steering Committee for the Annual Blood Donors Award Brant Masonic District that outlines the criteria for awarding the Allen James Sayer Memorial Award can be downloaded in PDF format by clicking this link.
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