In 1934 the Grand Lodge started the presentation of Gold 50-year pins to all members of the Jurisdiction who had completed 5O full years of Masonic membership. M. W. Bro. Howard T. Vaille recommended the practice in these words:
“For many years it has been the custom in many jurisdictions to give a medal to every member who completes 50 years of Masonic life. Every jurisdiction that has tried it is very enthusiastic about it. Several Grand Masters have heartily approved of it; as one of them expresses it ‘considering the pleasure they give, the cost is small.’
“I have met several such Brethren and have been impressed with the pride they take in wearing them and the pleasure it gives them in their declining years. Most of their old Masonic Brethren have passed away. They sometimes feel that new actors on life’s stage have crowded them off and that they have no part in the play but these medals give them tangible proof that they are not forgotten; that the active young Masons of today love and respect them, and the thoughts cheer them.
“The Lodge in honoring them honors itself for they give dignity to Masonry. One happy feature is that in many cases they will be given to Brethren who in their long Masonic careers have received no preferment from the craft.”
The 1949 Grand Master, M. W. Bro. Whittleshofer added another touch which has increased the sentiment of the presentation. He started a custom which has been continued by each Grand Master since, that of a personal letter of congratulations from the Grand Master to each recipient. A total of 2126 of these medals have been presented.
