Posted by Ben

2025 J. Ned Culler Award

Searching for light in Masonry is personal quest to become more knowledgeable about the Craft, our world, and our inner self. The J. Ned Culler Award is given to a brother who has attained a high degree of excellence in our ritual, Masonic Education, service to his Lodge, and has dedicated his Masonic life to the betterment of the Lodge, and furthering of the lofty goals of our Ancient Craft.

In every generation there appear among us giants among men who shape and alter the world around us in a highly positive way. We at Tuckahoe Lodge believe R.W. J. Ned Culler was one of those men. He helped and nurtured Masons who firmly believe in the value of Masonic Education and the effect that Masonic Education has on leadership. Brother Ned’s life was centered on the precepts so eloquently put forth in our Masonic ritual.

Ned was generous in many ways…with his time, his resources, and something we all miss the most, his spirit. Despite all of this, Ned was indeed a very humble person. His very presence was such a strong part of this Lodge. He was a mentor, and without question, he was a true friend. Whether you knew Ned casually or very well, you knew that he was a good, decent man, someone who exemplified what it meant to be a Mason, and like all of us who call ourselves Masons, he was a good man trying to become a better man.

Because of all that Ned meant to us, individually and as a band of brothers, the officers and members of the Lodge have created this award of recognition to honor Ned’s legacy. On this occasion this high honor is presented to a very deserving Mason who through his hard work for Craft Masonry, his friendship and brotherly love, best represents all that Ned Culler stood for. In following Ned’s example, the award is presented not only to a brother who seeks light in Masonry but to one who shines the light along the path for those who follow, helping them to be better Masons and helping our Craft to be stronger.

We are honored and proud to present the J. Ned Culler Award to a member of Tuckahoe Lodge who serves as an example and lesson to each of us. Our recipient of the 2025 award is:

Wor. Benjamin Kyle Smith

Brother Ben is a 19-year member of the Craft and received all of his degrees in Tuckahoe. He has served as a mentor and coach to numerous brethren, taught the catechisms of the degrees, and is an active 32° Scottish Rite Mason. 

Wor. Ben’s year in the East (2024) was a fine and productive one. One with more outreach to the school and community, one of adding new members, and a year of re-building. His plan was well received by the members and they supported him from day one. Good plan…serving dinner to the members individually, adding a personal touch. Ben represented Tuckahoe well in Lodges around the district, and at Grand Lodge functions. He led Tuckahoe as committee chair in the recent negotiations for the sale of the Tuckahoe property to the Scottish Rite Valley. He is always ready to extend a helping hand to others within his community, and Masonic family. Brother Ben exemplifies the life we should all attempt to emulate, and we are sure Ned would be pleased to see this name added to the list of recipients of this honor.

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Posted by Ben

Brotherhood

Masons come from all walks of life. We are plumbers, professionals, salesmen and CEOs. We are also Brothers.

When you become a Mason, you become part of a brotherhood of men committed to family, engaged in ongoing personal growth, education about our history, and providing care for others and families in need. While our backgrounds and interests are diverse, what binds us together are shared values and a desire to have fun, do good and build bonds that will last a lifetime.

Making good men better. 2 B1, ask 1

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