The first Hiram Award was presented to Andrew D. Miller, P.M., by San Pedro Lodge No. 332 (now Los Angeles Harbor Lodge) in 1964.The Hiram Award is the single highest honor a California Mason may receive, other than being elected Master of the Lodge.  It cannot be sought after, nor can it be something for which a recipient can apply. It cannot be won. It is awarded at the request of the individual’s Lodge and bestowed by the Grand Lodge of California. The District Inspector makes the award presentation on behalf of the Grand Master. The Hiram Award is an award presented to a Master Mason who has unselfishly given of his time, talents and energy for the betterment of his Lodge and the Masonic Fraternity with devotion over and above the ordinary, and who – year after year – displays his devotion to the Lodge and our beloved Fraternity without asking for anything in return.  It is not given for service as Master or any elected or appointed office or committee.  The recipient is recognized by his brethren in Masonry for his service to the fraternity and is a singular distinction that indicates the esteem, respect and admiration of the members. The real warmth and pleasure of being chosen for this special honor is most satisfying, because it comes directly from the brethren and friends he has accumulated within his own community. The Hiram Award is simply the official recognition of a brother by his own Lodge for his devoted service to the Lodge and to our Masonic principles in general. His is a labor of love for the fraternity. He is the true and steady hand of assistance, which is that living cement that binds our Fraternity into a true Brotherhood.