The Grand Lodge A F & A M of Nebraska: Men Putting Ethics Into Practice

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Spring 2015 VOL. XXXIV NO. 1

his Old Top Hat by M.W. John T. Maxell, Grand Master M\W\ John T. Maxell 149th Grand Master - Installed February 21, 2015 I was born in the year 1967 from simple felt in an age where my kind had past and the world had little use for hats. Although my maker believed that my destiny was to end up on the top shelf of a gentleman’s closet and to never have much of a life, I soon was to find out that my Master had big plans for me. I was about to become a Mason. Not just a Mason, but the Master of my owner’s Lodge where I would cover my Master and bring respect of our Brethren.T I would sit high and proud on my Master’s head only to be removed to cover his heart when we would pray. That was a great year 1967! A year full of great experiences to last a lifetime that I could reflect back on in my retirement. In 1985, my Master would awake me from my rest and explain to me that we were going on a great adventure and that my service was needed again, and this time we would be serving all the Masons of the Grand Lodge of Nebraska. We would be traveling from Chadron to South Sioux City to McCook to Brownville, visiting thousands of Brothers. I would be requested to perform at a minute’s notice and look my best at all times. My Master’s year as Grand Master flew by so fast that I don’t think we had time to leave a shadow behind us. We did cornerstones, visited numerous Grand Lodge Officers: Lodges in Nebraska, traveled to other states’ Grand Lodge Annual Grand Master John T. Maxell Communications. The greatest joy we had was getting to preside Deputy Grand Master Dennis E. Rix at Nebraska’s Annual Communication where we received Grand Honors of 3 by 3, which must be a Masonic secret, because no one Grand Senior Warden Richard D. Myers could explain to me why we were not good enough to receive 4 by Grand Junior Warden Patrick D. Barger 4 or 5 by 5. That just must be part of Masonry – that you don’t get Grand Secretary Reginald S. Kuhn, PGM all the answers and that you need to keep studying to understand Grand Chaplain Kevin R. Lindly the symbolic lesson in Masonry. I and my Master had fulfilled our obligation as Grand Master. Grand Orator James A. Carlton And now it was time for a planned rest, but oh how God laughs Grand Historian Dennis H. Brydl when his servants make plans, and where he has a different plan Grand Custodian Scott J. Krieger, PGM for his people. Grand Marshal Donald E. Rife My work was not done. My Master had been the charter member of a new Lodge and this Lodge was in need of my services. My Grand Senior Deacon Robert W. Moninger Master had donated me to his new Lodge where I could share my Grand Junior Deacon Ronald D. Stites wisdom and teach the new Master of the Lodge the lessons of Grand Senior Steward Stephen C. Kennedy being Master of their lodge. It felt great to be working and serving Grand Junior Steward James J. Jones where I could contribute and stay in one spot, and not running all over the state. Grand Tyler Paul D. Rutherford

Personal Representatives of the Grand Master: Continued on page 2... John R. Fairlie  John B. Ferguson  Alexander F. Straatmann 1

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Vol XVIII No. 1 grandmessage master’s

This Old Top Hat...Continued In February 2015, I was given permission to leave my Lodge to service the Grand Lodge of Nebraska one more time. I knew that even though I had become an Old Top Hat, there was still life in me to serve. To help a new Grand Master, to whisper into his ears when to speak and when to listen, and to teach him when to ost Worshipful John T. Maxell let a Mason learn from their own experience, and when to stop a M Grand Master of Nebraska Masons brother before he makes a mistake. I was to remind him that every Mason is a person worthy of his respect and his Brotherly Love. NebraskaGrandLodge.Wordpress.com So when you see your Grand Master looking into me, I’m reminding him of all those Brothers who have worn me before; reminding him that he is representing them. Reminding him that www.facebook.com/GrandLodgeofNebraska the Brethren he will meet are new friends and need to be treasured like fine jewels, and to always to pray before speaking. I hope to see all of my friends in Kearney in February of 2016, and to share the great odyssey that I had over the past year.

2015 Grand Master’s Key West Trip Crowne Plaza La Concha When: November 8-11, 2015 Includes: Roundtrip air from Omaha, Hotel for 3 nights & taxes Cost: $1288 per person Contact Becky Rutherford to book your trip! 402-390-0909 - [email protected]

Located in the heart of Old Town Key West and just steps away from restaurants, cafes, nightclubs, and unique shops. The Crowne Plaza La Concha has hosted and inspired some very famous guests over the last 80 years, the most notable patron being the legendary American author Ernest Hemingway. The 2nd floor guestrooms offer spacious walk-out balconies overlooking the famous Duval Street. The top observation deck and lounge offers a panoramic view of the entire island and is a beautiful place to watch a Key West sunset. 2

Mar15.indd 2 3/9/2015 11:02:29 AM To Light! Bringing Masonic Education to Light

Vol XVIII No. 1 A Publication of the Grand Lodge AF & AM of Nebraska Spring 2015

by Jonathan Paz “From this association, these partners, along with The Brothers Mayo Dr. Christopher Graham, created what is now grandmessage master’s known as the .” was born in the Town of Eccles in the City of Mary’s Hospital on September 30, 1889. Originally, they were the only Salford, Greater Manchester, England, on May 31, 1819, studying science three surgeons at the hospital at a time when anti-Catholic sentiment in and medicine in Manchester, Glasgow, and London before arriving in New Central Minnesota was very high. Three months later, Charles petitioned York City in 1845 working as a pharmacist at Bellevue Hospital. He moved his father’s lodge to receive the degrees of Freemasonry. to Lafayette, Indiana, briefly working as a tailor. In 1849, he rejoined the Dr. was initiated as an Entered Apprentice medical profession working with Dr. Elizur Deming, one of the founders Mason on January 24, 1890, passed to the degree of a Fellow Craft Mason of the Indiana Medical College in La Porte. Mayo assisted with a cholera (date unknown), and raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason on epidemic in Lafayette, and was rewarded with enrollment in a 16-week May 12, 1890. course at the medical college that same year, graduating in 1850. In 1892,“ William W. Mayo asked Augustus” Stinchfield to join his This may seem a shockingly short time to receive a Doctor of Medicine practice in Rochester. Once Augustus joined, William retired from the degree, but this would be considered an above average education in the practice. As time passed more doctors were brought onto the practice until mid-19th century. Previously, individuals interested in becoming a doctor in 1919 Drs. William J. Mayo, Charles H. Mayo, Augustus Stinchfield, ost Worshipful John T. Maxell became a preceptor, or apprentice, working for a practicing for Henry S. Plummer, Melvin Millet, E. Star Judd, and Donald Balfour Grand Master of Nebraska Masons several months or years. By the 1850s, this system was declining and created the Mayo Properties Association. From this association these the concept of a medical school was increasing, even though they rarely partners, along with Dr. Christopher Graham, created what is now known offered clinical experience. William W. Mayo had the advantage in the as the Mayo Clinic. Indiana Medical College to witness demonstrations of surgery and studies Dr. William J. Mayo petitioned Rochester Lodge to receive the in dissection. It even had a microscope: a very special tool that wasn’t degrees of Freemasonry in 1920, but the increasing demands of his time even available at Harvard until 1869. prohibited him from receiving any of the degrees of Freemasonry. While In 1854, he contracted malaria and moved to Cronan’s Precinct, it was suggested that the Grand Master of Minnesota could use his powers Minnesota Territory, where he became known as the “Little Doctor.” In to make William a Mason-at-Sight, his brother Charles objected to this 1859, he moved to Le Sueur where he started his first medical practice. controversial practice. His son, William James, was born in 1861. Later that year, the Civil War Dr. Charles Horace Mayo, affectionately known as Dr. Charlie, broke out. His attempts to procure a commission as a military surgeon became Grand Orator of the Grand Lodge of Minnesota in 1924. Two failed, but the next year he proffered his services as a military surgeon of his sons, both doctors themselves working at the Mayo Clinic, later during the Dakota War of 1862. The next year, he became the examining joined Freemasonry. One of them, Dr. Charles “Chuck” William Mayo, surgeon for the draft board in Rochester, Minnesota. It was here that later became Grand Orator of the Grand Lodge of Minnesota in 1967. William petitioned Rochester Lodge No. 21, A. F. & A. M. to receive the The Mayo Clinic remains an enduring legacy. This clinic, through degrees of Freemasonry. its founding partners and those who came after, implemented many of Dr. William Worrall Mayo was initiated as an Entered Apprentice the medical practices we see today, from medical records to sterilization Mason on September 21, 1863, passed to the degree of a Fellow Craft of surgical suites. Through the work of these Brothers Mayo, we all can Mason on October 5, and raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason live healthier lives. on October 19, 1863. This inspired him to finally put down some roots and permanently reside in Rochester. In 1865, his second son, Charles Horace, was born. He opened up a medical practice in Rochester and soon had enough business that he no longer needed to find additional jobs to support his family, and even began serving the area in local civic affairs, serving as alderman, mayor, and school board member. It was during this time, both little William and Charles accompanied their father as he went about his business. As the boys grew up, they were given increasing responsibilities, including administering anesthesia and tying off blood vessels. In 1883, received his medical degree from the . Shortly after returning home, a horrible tornado had struck his hometown. He and his brother Charles helped their father organize the treatment of the injured along with several other doctors from the region and the Sisters of St. Francis. In 1888, Charles received his degree from . Charles Horace Mayo William Worrall Mayo With the assistance of the Mayos, the Sisters of St. Francis formed St. 3

Mar15.indd 3 3/9/2015 11:02:38 AM by Jonathan Paz

by Denny Brydl Symbols in Freemasonry Chairman, Grand Lodge Masonic Education Committee

As all Masons (and most everyone else) know, Freemasonry is filled with symbols. We use these symbols to teach lessons of morality and virtue. This Masonic Education Symposiums series intends to analyze a single symbol used by Freemasonry – not for its deeper lessons or alternative teachings, but simply the symbol as it is. Perhaps WHAT WILL YOUR LODGE you may find deeper meaning for the symbol for your life or in your journey through Freemasonry, but that’s for you alone. LOOK LIKE IN THE YEAR 2030? The Beehive Modification and change are inevitable in every part of our lives no The beehive has been used as a symbol at least since Roman times. matter how much we resist change. What do you want your Lodge Medieval heraldry utilizes this image as a symbol for industry. The Church of to look like in just fifteen short years from now? If you are sincerely Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints uses this symbol with similar meaning. The interested in the future of Masonry and sustaining your Lodge you will resident of real beehives doubtless provides the inspiration for using this image want to attend the Spring Symposium. Don Kavalec, a member of the as a symbol of industry. Grand Lodge Education Committee will be the moderator and facilitate Honeybees – specifically, insects of the genus Apis – are distinguished discussion. Some of the topics discussed will be: by their ability to produce and store honey and the construction of perennial • How will we compete for a • Will we need to consolidate nests made of wax to support colonies. The most familiar species is Apis person’s time in our increasingly Lodges? mellifera, the western or European honey bee. Beehives consist of a collection active lives? • What value can we add and of honeycombs made of beeswax where eggs are laid, young are tended, and • Will we or should we modify how do we communicate this food is stored. Adults of this species are composed of three groups: queens, how we conduct our meetings? to a prospective member? workers, and drones. Queens are fertile female bees that lay all the eggs for a colony. Her • How will we educate and pheromones serve to control and direct the others in the hive, making sure she perform our rituals? remains the focus of all their efforts, as well as inhibiting ovary development These and other possible topics will be offered for discussion. This Spring in worker bees. The only time they ever leave a colony is to mate or to swarm. Symposium can serve to start specific discussion at your Lodge. Contact The queen doesn’t truly “rule” the hive: their job is simply to lay eggs to make will be made by our committee in advance so you can be prepared for this more bees. She is capable of deciding to make a female (fertilizing the egg) or event. If you care about your Lodge and its future you will want to attend. a male bee (not fertilizing the egg), but whether a female bee is a queen or a The 2015 Spring Symposiums will be held on March 23, beginning at worker is up to the colony. A queen can live three to five years, though some 7:00 pm at the Hastings Scottish Rite building located at 411 N Hastings German black bee species can live up to eight. in Hastings; March 24, beginning at 7:00 pm at Papillion Lodge located Workers are infertile female bees that perform very specific tasks based on their age. In the first ten days after they become adults, they clean the hive and at S. 84th & Centennial Rd in Papillion; and March 25, beginning at 7:00 feed larvae with a diet of royal jelly and honey. On days 11 – 15, they build comb pm at the Lincoln Scottish Rite located at 332 Centennial Mall in Lincoln. cells, which will either store food, larvae, or pupae. Between days 16-20, they All Masons and Guests are invited to attend; No reservations are required. receive nectar and pollen from foragers. Finally, on their 21st day to the end of their lives, they serve as foragers gathering pollen and nectar from flowers in the area. They have a barbed stinger to which is attached a poison sac. When normal. The workers proceed to feed the larva with an especially rich diet a worker bee is protecting its hive, it may sting the antagonist. If the barbed of only royal jelly, which gives the larva the ability to overcome the queen’s stinger gets caught, the poison sac will remain behind; the internal injuries pheromone inhibitions on forming ovaries. This new queen will then take over this causes to the bee will cause her to die. Otherwise, their life expectancy the hive while the old queen takes half the workers and finds a new home. This depends on when they were born: those born in spring or summer will work behavior is called “swarming.” They usually congregate in an area while scouts hard and die young, living only a few weeks; those born in autumn will live look for new homes. While the scene can be rather horrifying, seeing hundreds and remain inside for several months throughout the winter. All colony workers of bees literally carpeting something, they are actually completely docile since are replaced every four months. they have no hive to protect. Drones are male bees that only serve to mate with queens. They have no When a queen is getting a bit too old, her pheromones start to weaken stinger, do not forage for food, or build or clean the hive. After they mate with which triggers the workers to make queens to replace the old one in a process a queen, they die. In temperate climates, drones are usually expelled from their called “supersedure.” During this process, the old queen is killed. If, however, colony; and since they cannot forage for food on their own, they die. Drones the queen bee dies suddenly, the hive undergoes “emergency supersedure”: are born from unfertilized eggs, so all drones only have one set of unpaired they don’t have a queen anymore to lay any eggs, so they have to pick an egg chromosomes which only come from the queen herself. Most other creatures, that is of the right age, make the cell it’s in larger, then feed it royal jelly in the including us, have chromosome pairs carrying our genetic structure; only hope that the larva was of the right age to become a queen to be the focus of reproductive cells have unpaired chromosomes to provide for genetic diversity the hive again. by joining with another unpaired chromosome. This means that drones are Bees serve a major function in modern agriculture and ecology by genetically designed only to mate. pollinating flowers. Without this activity, we would not be able to have most By definition, honey bees produce honey. As a forager gathers nectar, they of the foods we enjoy and many other plants would be unable to propagate store it in a honey stomach and return to the hive. There, the worker bees process and feed other creatures. In fact, 90% of the entire world’s food is produced the nectar with enzymes to break down the complex sugars into simpler ones. by bees pollinating the flowers. If bees go extinct, it is thought that the world They then deposit this pre-honey into empty honeycomb cells to dry, after could only support up to 500 million people; a far cry from the more than 7 which they cap it with a layer of beeswax for long-term storage. This honey billion we have today. Which is why since 2007, significant research has been has some amazing qualities. Because of how readily it absorbs water, it will done toward understanding the rising threat of “colony collapse disorder,” a actually remove the water from any bacteria, fungi, or viruses that may come mysterious phenomenon where an entire colony simply vanishes. Though in contact with it, which means honey never spoils or goes bad. In fact, honey reports of this occurring spread back as early as 1869, over the past few decades buried with Egyptian mummies is still good to eat today. large commercial beekeepers in several states have reported 30-90% losses. The Bees exhibit the iconic behavior that some call “hive mind.” They tend to Environmental Protection Agency and United States Department of Agriculture act much more like a single organism than a collection of individuals. To this formed a task force to address the issue in 2013, when it was reported that bee end, bees will collectively make decisions as needed for the sake of the colony. populations in the United States dropped by 23%. Recently, some research has For instance, if a colony is too productive in honey, there may not be enough emerged that suggests that a combination of many factors may be contributing cells remaining for the queen to lay more eggs. In this case, the worker bees to colony collapse disorder. Hopefully, the product of this research can keep 4 make special queen cells. The queen deposits her egg into this cell as these fascinating creatures around for millennia to come.

Mar15.indd 4 3/9/2015 11:02:39 AM DEMOLAY MASON OF THE YEAR: WB CARL DIAMOND by Patrick Barger, Grand Junior Warden asonic Education Symposiums M Worshipful Brother Carl Diamond of Centennial Lodge No. 326 in Omaha, was presented the prestigious DeMolay Mason of the Year award for 2014. Nominations for this award are reviewed by the Grand Master and presented by the State Master DeMolay Mason of the Year Carl Diamond receives the award from the Councilor of Nebraska DeMolay at the Public Opening of Annual DeMolay State Officers and the Grand Master. Left to right: Maximilian Carter, State Master Councilor, Carl Diamond, MW Joe McBride, David Communication. Each year the Grand Master seeks nominations Strang, State Senior Councilor, and Keegan Miller, State Junior Councilor. of outstanding Brethren who are very active and dedicated in their service to the Masonic Fraternity, youth groups, and appendant University to bring their much-needed technical skills to the event bodies. as well as other Masonic family members to staff the stations. Two Carl’s award was based on his devoting multiple hours to several months prior to the event, Carl chaired a Chili Feed to raise funds Masonic groups and projects that go above and beyond the call to support it. of duty. In fact, 2014 was a banner year for “Get-r-Done” Carl, as On Memorial Day weekend in May--for the second year in a many in the Omaha area like to refer to him. He started off his year row--Carl organized and led a US Flag project to recognize deceased as Worshipful Master of Centennial Lodge No. 326 with a yearly veterans at Westlawn-Hillcrest Cemetery in Omaha. Carl and his plan of activities and budget. And what a plan it was! wife Carolyn walked the 140-acre cemetery numerous times. They Carl’s detailed plan included addressing a definite need to took existing grave lists, located the veterans, and created a list for overhaul the kitchen of the West Omaha Masonic Center, especially each row/section for over 6,200 graves. As they continued to seek since the stoves had malfunctioned since the summer of 2013. more and more names from obituaries and the “Find-A-Grave” He cultivated support from his Lodge and planned the work for a website, they returned to the cemetery on numerous occasions to $50,000 project to remodel the kitchen. He also gathered financial map the location of the newly discovered grave and added it to their support from other organizations sharing the building and further list in its proper sequence. As he worked, Carl became dissatisfied enabled the project to expand to remodel an entryway and smaller with the small size of the existing flags and decided they needed to kitchen. be much larger, so he orchestrated the purchase of over 6,000 new Preparing Centennial Lodge to be certified proficient in the 12x18 inch flags. Further recognizing the need for more assistance ritual was a major item on his agenda and Carl encouraged and with this massive project, Carl recruited help from the Wranglers mentored members to work toward Lodge Certification from the 4-H Club in Fremont, two Job’s Daughters Bethels, and the Boy Grand Lodge. Under his leadership as Worshipful Master, this was Scouts of America. A total of 226 youth and adults distributed the accomplished for the first time in many years. Not being one to ask 6200 flags in two days, led by Carl. He also staffed a table at the others to do something he wouldn’t do himself, Carl enrolled in cemetery entrance for the entire Memorial Day weekend to field and graduated “With Distinction” from the 2014 inaugural class of questions, promote Masonry, and recruit more volunteers for help the Grand Lodge Individual Proficiency School and gave lectures with the ongoing project. he learned for the class in open lodge. In addition to all of this, Carl served as Assistant Chief of Staff, Carl also served as Chairman and organizer for a CHIP event in a national line officer of the Heroes of ’76 (National Sojourners) April at Children’s Hospital in Omaha. The Hospital Administrator for 2014-2015. was so impressed that over 180 kids were served that he asked As a result of Carl Diamond’s extensive and selfless service Carl to arrange another CHIP event for 2015. In support of this to Nebraska Masonry in 2014, he was selected as the DeMolay major event, Carl recruited eleven dental students from Kaplan Mason of the Year. He sets the example for all Masons to follow. Congratulations, Carl. You definitely earned it!

North Bend Lodge No. 119 was the winner of the 2014 Small Lodge Rock Maul Award. Not pictured: Cotner Lodge No. 297 in Lincoln was the winner Centennial Lodge No. 326 was the winner of the 2014 Gold Pan Award. of the 2014 Large Lodge Rock Maul Award. 5

Mar15.indd 5 3/9/2015 11:02:41 AM The Nebraska Masonic Home Mary C. Stapp, Executive Director

Special Thanks To. . . Past Grand Master Joe McBride and the 2014-2015 Grand Lodge Officers. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, residents, and staff of The Nebraska Masonic Home, please accept our very grateful thanks for your support this last year. Congratulations and best wishes are extended to Grand Master John Maxell and the 2015-2016 Grand Officers. May the Grand Lodge prosper under your leadership. As always, we appreciate the support of the Administrative Staff at the Grand Lodge office. It is a pleasure to work with these competent and hospitable ladies. We look forward to our continued association in the upcoming year. Mary C. Stapp, Executive Director

Ken & Corky Fleming were crowned the 2015 Valentine’s Day King and Queen. This well-known couple came to The Nebraska Masonic Home in July 2013 to enjoy retirement living in one of our newly-renovated apartments. They started out as high school sweethearts and have been blessed with 61 years of married life together. Their very active lifestyle continues, and they keep a busy schedule attending events here and in the community. Congratulations to Ken and Corky!

Congratulations to Ken Fleming who was chosen by the other residents as Resident of the Year for 2014. Ken is a member of Frank Welch Lodge No. 75. He is also a member of other Masonic-affiliated organizations and is a Past Grand Master of Nebraska. Ken knows almost every resident at The Home and very much enjoys visiting with them. Congratulations to you Ken!

Valentine’s Day King and Queen Ken and Corky Fleming

Visit us at our website! 6 thenebraskamasonichome.org

Mar15.indd 6 3/9/2015 11:02:42 AM Mary C. Stapp, Executive Director The Nebraska Masonic Home Foundation Jo Peters, Director

General Donations (November 27, 2014 - February 26, 2015) Bruce and Lu Ackerman, Marion and Mary Ann Adkisson, Ralph and Elizabeth Agar Jr., Sheila Aiken, Robert and Barbara Alf, Lou and Suzanne Allgayer, Elaine Anderson, Ralph Anderson Jr., Robert and Joan Anderson, Don and Mary Andrews, Mildred Anker, Arbor Chapter No. 200, Arbor Vitae Chapter No. 92, David Arias, Arrow Chapter 164, Betty Avery, Richard and Ruthanne Barber, Don and Wilma Baugous, Viron and Mildred Baxter, Ralph and Ruth Beach Jr., Dennis and Jeanne Lea Beavers, Clark and Julie Beck, Diana Bee, Joseph and Betty Belden, Greg Berggren, Bethany Chapter No. 113, Lewis Botsford, Wayne and Susan Bowman, James H. Bragg, Elton Bray, Robert and Carol Bridie, Dale Brinkman, William and Genell Brooks, Kurt and Diann Brown, Maija Brown, Everett and Laurel Browning, Kent and Marcella Ann Broyhill, Thomas and Randy Brummett, Leon Bruns, Dennis Brydl, Richard and Anna Buckmaster, Bruce and Karen Bugbee, Gary and Sally Bunnell, Dorothy Burger, Rick and Shirley Burmeister, Suzanne Byler, Jack and Sally Campbell, Capitol Chapter No. 320, Robert and Marilyn, Carhart, James Carlton, Henry and Cathy Carnaby, Bradley Cate, John and Peggy Christensen, Bill and Madaline Christensen, Chris Clark, Mary Cleaver, Charles and Gwenda Cogswell, Columbia Chapter No. 275, Warren Cooke, Lowell and Joann Cope, Coral Lodge No. 430, Corinthian Lodge No. 83, Craftsmen Lodge No. 314, William and Lois Craig, Donald Darling, Marcia Davis, Jarold Dennis, Lureta Dierberger, James and Vicki Dinsmore, James Dodds, William Dodge, Dorcas Chapter No. 144, Jack Duffield, Randy Dunn and Diann Toler, Bergie and Rose Mary Dyson, Philip and Doris Edwards, Janice Ellis, Robert and Inez Elsasser, Lyle Emery Sr., Grace Emmett, Eureka Chapter No. 86, Leonard and Ellen Finnegan Jr., First National Bank of Johnson, Robert Foley, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Folsom, Eldon Ford, Donna Fox, Franklin Chapter No. 213, Franklin Lodge No. 264, Darryl and Becky Frerichs, David Friis, Dietrick and Mavis Frye, Debra Galli, James and Barb Gammill, Don and Beverly Gard, Jerry and Carol Jean Garland, George W. Lininger Lodge No. 268, George Washington Lodge No. 250, Okley Gibbs Sr., Donald and Anna Gockley, Donald Gray Jr., Sharon Hammarlund, Naomi Harnagel, Robert Hasebroock, Charles and Peggy Haskell, Sam and Patricia Hatasaka, John Hawley, Maurice Hawthorne, Chester Hayes and Jean Sirek Hayes, Haywire, Frank and Shirley Hazelwood, Susan Hedges, Dean and Mary Ann Hemphill, Keith and Corky Herbster, Norman and Carol Herzog, Hickman Lodge No. 256, Lloyd and Donna Hinkley, Charles and Janet Hinze, Hiram Lodge No. 52, Richard D. Hitz, Barbara Hobbs, Richard Hobson, Irvin Holst, Jim and Marilyn Horak, Calvin and Judith Hubbell, Delebert Huddleston, Robert and Adrienne Huffman, John and Barbara Husebo, John and Judy Husk, Imperial Chapter No. 279, Virgil and Delores Irelan, Alyce Jessop, Ray and Mary Johansen, Mark Johnson, Tom and Donna Lee Johnson, James Jones Sr., Ron and Jean Jones, Tom and Marcia Kennedy, James and Patricia Kikendall, David and Susan Kipling, Glenn Klipphahn, Robert Kloch, Marcella Krieger, Merle Lange, Douglas Larson, Andy Lasenieks, Frank Lastovica Sr., Laura Chapter No. 301, Phyllis Lawyer, Laurence Letson, Liberty Lodge No. 300, Roger Lipert, Long Pine Lodge No. 136, Doug and Cindy Lottman, Luceba Chapter No. 220, Thomas and Susan Lucht, Dale Lueders, Charles Luedke, Fred and Marlyn Mackey, Bob and Jackie Maline, Lonnie and Doris Martin, Barry Mayfield, John McHenry, Elmer and Laurie McLaughlin, Martin and Carole McMekin, Martha McQuin, Betty Mears, Dorothy Meisinger, Janet Meisinger, Ramon Mieth, Paul and Janet Milbourn, Cathie Miller, Miriam Chapter No. 175, Robert and Mary Mitchell, John and Carol Miyoshi, Ed Morava, Jerry Morelock, Hudson Morey, Kenneth Mossberg, Bob and Joan Muir, Gary and Janice Nantkes, Nebraska Masonic Foundation, Thomas and Janet Newman, Norval Nicholls, Ed and Linda Nolte, Jim and Marcia Ochsner, Phil and Mariel Oftelie, Ogallala Chapter No. 142, Jeffrey Ogle, Robert and Phyllis Olson Sr., Kristi O’Neal, Robert and Rita O’Neill, James and Mary Owens, John and Ruta Ozol, Loren Page, John and Pauline Parsons, David Peters, Robert Phillip, Phillip Chapter No. 204, Louise Pickard, Jerry Pigsley, Eugene and Patsey Pillard, Raymond and Jeanne Poage, Donald and Jean Pohlman, Thomas Pomeroy, David Portwood, Bobbie Powell, Queen Esther Chapter No. 1, John Quinn, Bruce and Sandra Raddatz, Gary and Sara Radil, Jerry and Patricia Raikes, Kirby S. Ralston, Curtis Ralston, Don and Marie Rasmussen, Jerry and Portia Reed, Marie Renda, Donald and Peggy Rhoades, John Richart, Rob Morris Chapter No. 192, Rob Morris Lodge N. 46, Julia Roberts, Virgil Rodgers, Jimmy and Irene Rogers, Donald Rogert, George Rolofson, James and Wanda Ronni, Rose Croix Chapter No. 298, Rick and Bonnie Rothwell, Royal Chapter No. 184, David Ruffner, Merle Russell, Wendell Ruth, Jody Scheffelmaier, Chuck and Pat Scheuneman, Walter and Alyce Schmidt, Robert and Carol Schmucker, Joe Schneider Jr. and Jeanette Bailey, Carroll Schnurr, Jack and Judy Schram, Ray and Ruth Schwarz, Scottish Rite Foundation of Omaha, Scottish Rite Temple, Rhett and Carol Sears, Shirley Shainholz, Linda Shanks, Daniel and Joan Shurtliff, John Sierks, Signet Chapter No. 55, Simon Korshoj Masonic Charity Fund, Harry and Pam Smith, Milford Smith, Margaret Sorensen, Leo and Judy Soukup III, Red Southern, Willard Spech, Gerald and Ardyce Stanley, Mike and Mary Stapp, Starcraft Chapter No. 307, Klyda Steele, Warren and Joanne Stenback, John and Gwen Stirek, Paul and Robin Stoupa, Sunset Chapter No. 300, Sunshine Chapter No. 261, Thomas and Caroline Swedlund, Charles and Barbara Talmadge Jr., Bernard and Janice Taulborg, Jim and Isobel Taylor, Lawrence and Fern Taylor, Judith Temme, Temple Chapter No. 271, Terry and Marilyn Theis, David Thomas, Linda Thomsen, Beverly Thygesen, James and Patty Tische, Trinity Chapter Honorarium Donations (November 27, 2014 - February 26, 2015) Emily Griffing(Myrtle Chapter No. 94), Thomas Hauder PGM and Ann Hauder (Karl and Annette Rasmussen IV), Rex Moats PGM and Diane Moats (Karl and Annette Rasmussen IV), Wanda Retzlaff (Jack and Diann Frahm), Bob and Roma Rhodes (Vernon and Sue Kittinger), Bill Young (Cullen Pilker) Memorial Donations (November 27, 2014 - February 26, 2015) Aletha Taff (Clipped Accent, David Karenoski, Douglas and Patricia Eubanks, Jeanne Karnegis, John and Kathleen Tusai), Bill Prusha (Bob Keckler), Bruce Hild, Keith Lerum & Kenneth Bennett (Duard and Lois Dempster), Harold Goodyear (Nebraska Lodge 1), Carol Drayton & Charlene Ickes (Duard and Lois Dempster), Carol Westover (Myrtle Chapter No. 94), Clark Carnaby Jr. (Ruth Anne Carnaby), Don Lehr (Comet Lodge No. 229), Donald Lane (Cullen Pilker), Donna Alm (Verl and Donna Steinshouer), Donna Meisinger (Home Chapter No. 189), Doris Perkins (Keri Rheinfrank, Ralph and Mary Perkins), Dorothy Bower (John Bower), Dorothy Carper (Bertha Collett, Bob Keckler), Dorothy Hamel (Tekamah Chapter No. 131), Duaine Blaser (Allen and Linda Grell, Charles and Sandra Vitosh, Daniel and Sheri Yockel, David and Christine Morris, Donald and Odetta Lintz, Eldon and Betty Trauernicht, Fox Funeral Home, Gerald and Ellen Gibson, Jay and LuAnn Faris, Lyn Scheiding, Marc and Joanie Weber, Margaret Beyer, Margaret Kalal, Mike and Sandi Waldron, Phyllis Cain, Roger and Doris Deboer), Eutera Baker (Terry Larsen, Wayne and Susan Andreasen), Everett and Velma Brown (Charles and Janice Mefford), Gale Nielsen (Douglas Nielsen), Harold and Edna Eatinger (Marvin Eatinger), Helen Mathew (Terry and Dian Larsen), Jack Hoffman (Nova Hoffman), Jack Lefler (Comet Lodge No. 229), Josephine Hostetter (Home Chapter No. 189), Joyce Webb, Cynthia Heinrich, & Harold Lutkemeier (Tuscan Chapter No. 35), L. Jeanine Urwin (Gina Euzarraga, Tom and Della Sullivan), Leroy Oakeson (Alan and Alyce Berk, Albert and Barb Chatfield, Arnold and Marilyn Keller, Bette Cummins, Betty Benjamin, Darrel and Nancy Weers, Donald and Vicki Woodburn, Douglas and Denise Gates, Factory Motor Parts, Gale and Betty Paxton, James Weir, Jerold and Marilyn Sievers, Jerrold and Leona Copley, John Quinn, Judith Schaffer, Larry and Shari Cook, Mark and Sandi Sapp, Nebraska Funeral Directors Association, Inc., Paul and Janet Lepard, Paul and Sherri Ann Johnson, Ray and Ruth Schwarz, Tom and Marcia Kennedy, Tom Cookston, Walter and Alyce Schmidt), Lois Clark (John and Evelyn Dixon), Mary Cowles (Bob Keckler), Mayme Stanfield (Betty and Laura Baker, Darrell and Linda Pullen, Darryl and Elizabeth Ulrich, George and Janeth Winkler, Gerald and Shirley Vawter, Herman Chapter No. 216, Jan Barnard, Margaret Nelson), Maynard Tatelman (Lou and Nancy Worm), Milo Perry (Home Chapter No. 189), Oliver Thomsen and Dorthalie Kuhl (Delores Thomsen), Phyllis Kostka (Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company), R.A. and Florence Noell (Dewayne Noell), Richard Moore (Andra Alvine, Cheryl Alter-Partusch, Francis and Sherri Buglewicz, Ron O’Neill, Rose Madsen), Ruth and Art Fye (Kathleen Fye), Sharon Bose (Doug and Betty Garwood), Susan Knight (Ruth Snyder), Terry Beins (Home Chapter No. 189), Twila Berman (Ceresco Chapter No. 198), Wade Albers (Nebraska Lodge No. 1), William Robinson and Leo & Mabel Robinson (Lorna Robinson), Wilma Puls (Bob Keckler) 7

Mar15.indd 7 3/9/2015 11:02:42 AM Ron Giesselmann, Executive Director

MASONIC EASTERNAn anonymous STARperson at the HOME FORrestaurant CHILDREN paid the bill for the boys at Morris Cottage because they were impressed with their behavior during the meal. Roger A. Hering I entered the Masonic-Eastern Star Home for Children in 1949. My brother, Richard, also lived at the Children’s Home. We eventually made other friends, but it was good to have him around when we Bre, Samantha, Andrew and moved in. Steven were the winners at I love to fish. I would fish at the Rawhide Creek that the Valentine’s Day Bowling runs through the Children’s Home’s property. It was Tournament. a good place to go where a fella could just be. There was a time when I caught several fish and thought it to be a good idea to take them back to the cottage. I put them in the wash tub in the basement. Centennial Much to my dismay, I had to return them to the creek. The house mother was not Celebration thrilled with my “catch-of-the-day”! On, August 8, 2015, the After my father passed away in 1955 I Children’s Home will moved out of the Children’s Home and in celebrate 100 years at its with my grandparents. I graduated from current location in Fremont, Omaha Technical High School in 1960 Nebraska. Bands, rides, and joined the Navy. The Navy allowed guest speakers, ice cream, me to go places I’d only read about. Really enjoyed that. lunch, 4-H awards, cows, I spent most of my working years, 32, and fellowship are some of working for the City of Omaha in various the many things that will departments. While working in Omaha I be happening during the started a Toastmaster Club where I served Children’s Home’s Centennial in all of the offices at one time or another. Celebration. After retiring we moved to a small town in Devon came close to having Iowa where I served as Mayor. the high game, but a fellow Please consider this your senior beat him by a few pins. Fernando was very invitation to partake in the We raised six children. We have 22 pleased with his Christmas grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. And as you may have gift - a letter jacket. festivities. Please call ahead, guessed I take them fishing whenever they visit. -Roger A. Hering so we have a general idea of how many friends will be celebrating with us.

President of the Board of Directors, Ched House, presented a plaque to The Children’s Home Band played at The Masonic retiring Board member/Treasurer, Home in Plattsmouth, Nebraska. Marjorie Andersen. There were many positive changes during Marjorie’s 33 years on the Board. Her experitise on the Board and the Finance Committee will be greatly missed. 8

Mar15.indd 8 3/9/2015 11:02:46 AM GRAND CHAPTER OF NEBRASKA ORDER OF THE EASTERN STAR

Sharlene Coulter, Worthy Grand Matron MASONIC EASTERN STAR The Order of the Eastern Star in Nebraska members were pleased to be invited by the Amaranthus Grand Chapter Order of the Eastern Star, Prince Hall Affiliate to meet at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center on November 23, 2014. The Prince Hall Affiliates performed The Queen of the South Degree. The ceremony was presented in full costume with appropriate staging. All that attended appreciated the beauty of the work.

The Grand Chapter of Nebraska Order of the Eastern Star extends fraternal greetings and cordially invites you to attend our “Music of the Stars” Session

May 12, 13, 14, 2015 YOUNES CONFERENCE CENTER Kearney, Nebraska

To our Nebraska Members - This past year the “Music of the Stars” Grand Family traveled our beautiful state on the OES Express. We enjoyed the opportunity we had to visit your Chapters. We thank you for the love and support we received this year. Deloyt, the other Grand Officers, and I extend to you a musical invitation to attend and enjoy everything we have planned for you at our Grand Session. Registration materials can be found on www.NEOES.ORG. 9

Mar15.indd 9 3/9/2015 11:02:47 AM Deanne Grant-Grand Guardian, Robert Foreman-Associate Grand Guardian Becky Bleess-Grand Bethel Honored Queen, Pamela McLeod, Grand Worthy Advisor Allegra Hardin-Miss Nebraska Job’s Daughter, Jamie Horstmann-Miss Nebraska Congeniality Betty Garwood, Supreme Deputy NEBRASKA JOB’S DAUGHTERS INTERNATIONAL ORDER By Becky Bleess, Grand Bethel Honored Queen and Deanne Grant, Grand Guardian OF THE RAINBOW FOR GIRLS

ob’s Daughters all across Nebraska have been busy with J ebraska Rainbow has been very busy with events around Installations during the New Year. Many new Honored Queens N the state! In November we celebrated our annual Grand have taken their Obligation to support the organization. Thank you Cross of Color Banquet and Bread Breaking Ceremony hosted by to all the Masonic family members who were able to attend these our Benson Diana Assembly in Omaha. Unfortunately, the weather events. It truly means a lot to the Daughters. proved a little iffy for some of the girls and adults to make it, but At the beginning of February the Grand Family, GBHQ, MNJD, those of us who could be there still had a wonderful time! and MNC, along with DeMolay, and Rainbow state officers got December and January had quite the plethora of dances! Benson together with Masons in Nebraska and from around the country at Diana Rainbow Assembly hosted their annual Winter Ball in the Grand Lodge Annual December and the District #1 and District #2 Sweetheart Balls of Communication! MNJD Nebraska DeMolay were also held. It was tons of fun to go and see Allegra brought greetings all of my friends from Rainbow, Job’s Daughters, and DeMolay. on behalf of Nebraska We definitely danced the nights away! Job’s Daughters. The February brought the Grand Lodge Annual Communication Ladies Luncheon was of Ancient Free and as entertaining as it was Accepted Masons delicious. We got to of Nebraska! I was participate in our very fortunate enough own murder mystery to go and represent party, and had to find the my beautiful order killer amongst a bunch of Rainbow there. of suspicious characters. I had a wonderful Later at western night, time at the banquet after getting dressed up like cowboys and cowgirls, we listened to Thursday night and the musical stylings of the McBride family; and I got to experience even learned a thing Cowboy Poetry for the first time and loved it! or two about some My project this year as Grand Bethel Honored Queen is the Masonic traditions. Nebraska Wildlife Conservation Fund. I am asking each Bethel Friday brought with it the opening ceremony where I brought to raise awareness and money for the animals in Nebraska that are greetings from Rainbow girls around Nebraska! The Ladies’ considered endangered. With our help, rare animals in Nebraska Luncheon Friday afternoon was delicious and was even more can be given the chance to repopulate. Bethels were given a small fun because it was based on a murder mystery case. The banquet stuffed animal of an endangered animal from around the world to Friday night was fantastic. It was cowboy-themed with good ol’ learn about and when they fundraise they earn items to dress up home-cooked meals to eat. It was amazing to get to know so many their animals. They will be displayed at our Grand Session in June. different Masons from across Nebraska and to spend time with Job’s Daughters will be having two Spring Workshops in April. Grand Master McBride as well as the other Masonic Youth leaders! The first one on April 11 & 12, will be outside of Fremont at Camp Thank you to everyone Calvin Crest. The second on April 18 & 19, will be at Trails West who provided the 103 items YMCA Camp near Scottsbluff. These workshops give the Daughters for the Silent Auction and the chance to to those who bid on those come together and treasures. The result was learn more about over $3900 to be divided our organization, among the three Masonic share successful Youth Groups. Wow! That membership is really phenomenal and Continued on page 11... so much appreciated. And thank you for all of the DeMolay courtesies extended during Councilors Keegan, the Annual Communication. Max and David, Congratulations to Past GBHQ Becky and State Sweetheart Grand Master Joe McBride Lindsey. Continued on page 11... 10

Mar15.indd 10 3/9/2015 11:02:47 AM We would like to thank everyone who contributed to and participat- ed in the Silent Kevin D. Grazier, Executive Director Auction held at Maximilian Carter, State Master Councilor David Strang, State Senior Councilor Annual Commu- Keegan Miller, State Junior Councilor Captain’s Log, nication! Over Nebraska DeMolay has been busy, busy, busy! We’re starting $3900 was raised this year. Combined with the off the third quarter with a RUSH, the DeMolay Month Rush that is! How many new members can our local chapters get? How can money raised from the auction of 3 ties by Grand they spread the heroic tale of Jacques DeMolay? How are they Master McBride, each youth group will receive living out the seven cardinal virtues? March is when DeMolays reflect most about what it means to be, well, A DEMOLAY. almost $1600. It was a wonderful success for The rest of the state team and myself are preparing for the Nebraska Youth Organizations. THANK YOU ALL biggest event in April - Round Up! Chapters from all across the for your generous support of our Youth! state will compete in sports events, such as: basketball, soccer, volleyball, and even QUIDDICH. This has to be my favorite event of the year. This is when our DeMolays act most like a team, a group -Gene and Judy Wehrbein, Silent Auction Committee with a vision, and that vision will never die. A statewide initiation of new members will end our weekend of fair competition and these members will begin their journey, living in the fidelity and footsteps of Jacques DeMolay. Job’s Daughters - Continued Our Masonic journey does not end outside the walls of the activities/fundraising events, participate in exciting breakout state chapter, however, and we will continue to strive to be leaders session and overall just have FUN! in the light of our teachers. We will forever be in debt to those Our Grand Session is June 17-20 on the campus of Peru State who have given us a path, a path that will eventually lead us to College in Peru, Nebraska. Grand Session brings together the the inescapable lesson Bethels around our State to compete in competitions like ritual, within the spirit of the arts & crafts, voice, signing, and much, much more. We will all universal brotherhood. Discover Every Wonder as we plan a week full of fun, laughter, As I have sought and smiles! Please join us! further enlightenment within Masonry, as will hundreds of other Rainbow for Girls - Continued DeMolays within the state. and his officers and to John Maxell and the 2015-2016 Grand Lodge “Live long and Officers as they begin a new year. prosper.” Coming up, Nebraska Rainbow would like to invite all of you -Maximilian Carter to our Grand Assembly, June 12-14 at Doane College in Crete, Nebraska. The theme is Be Phenomenal and we hope to inspire Fun at the Sweetheart Retreat everyone there to feel amazing in who they are! It is going to be a phenomenal time and we can’t wait to see all of our Masonic family there with us to celebrate. Have a wonderful transition into springtime and remember you are phenomenal! In Rainbow Love and Service, Pamela McLeod, Grand Worthy Advisor, 2014-2015 Save the Date! Your Name Your Lodge No. 123

September 23-24. 2017 As mentioned at Annual Communication - A reminder that Grand Master Maxell would like all lodges to Holiday Inn wear name tags at lodge meetings and activities. New members should be given a name tag when they are Kearney, Nebraska raised. Name tags can be obtained via online vendors or local awards shops.

11

Mar15.indd 11 3/9/2015 11:02:49 AM 50, 60 and 70 Year Membership Awards BRONZE JORDAN MEDAL AWARD Ned I. Abernathy, 146 50 Henry B. Albert, Jr., 326 Brother Clark S. Wiles Gerald D. Bailey, 34 of Plattsmouth Lodge No. 6 in Donald W. Dorr, 9 Lauren D. Ekdahl, 146 Plattsmouth is the recipient of the Bronze Ballard Fleming, 302 Jordan Medal. The certificate and pin were presented to Clarence R. Kroeger, 326 his eldest son, Marvin, on July 5, 2014. William J. Lamprecht, 251 Keith W. Matthews, 32 Brother William D. Bush of Lincoln Lodge No. 19 in Lincoln is the recipient Lawrence W. Maxfield, 32 Paul R. Morris, 132 of the Bronze Jordan Medal. The certificate and pin were presented to Richard E. O’Connor, 326 Bro. Bush in his home on January 15, 2015 by Chuck Burk, Secretary. James M. Patton, 1 F. Eugene Pope, 1 James W. Potts, 32 Thomas L. Weekes, 5 Glen M. Zizka, 265

Marion J. Adkisson, 33 Frederick E. Applegate, 14 60 Kenneth H. Bolas, 302 Donald E. Buettgenbach, 210 Gene L. Burgen, 97 Raymond M. Hill, 57 Hans Jessen, 274 Kenneth C. McAninch, 33 Robert H. Olderog, 1 Daniel L. Peddycoart, 32 Merton L. Rose, 286 Bryce Sanders, 106 Wayne W. Warren, 220 Brother Donald “Dutch” Buettgenbach (left) of East Vernon A. Allan, 265 Lincoln Lodge No. 210 was presented with a 60-year 70 B. H. Davidson, 251 pin on December 13, 2014 by WM James Michaelson Leonard L. Finnegan, Jr., 302 WB Hans Jessen (right) received his 60- (center). Dutch’s son, Brother Bill Buettenbach (right), Douglas D. Nelson, 251 year pin on November 20, 2014, from Kent had the honor of placing the award on his father’s lapel. George T. Robertson, 32 Neumann, WM of Olive Branch Lodge No. 274.

Worshipful Brother Ballard Fleming was presented with a 50-year pin from Mizpah Brother Richard O’Connor received his 50-year WM Carl Diamond presented a 60-year pin Lodge No. 302. His daughter Christine membership pin from WM Carl Diamond of to Brother Clarence Kroeger of Centennial Royer places the pin on his lapel as Centennial Lodge No. 326 in October 2014. Lodge No. 326 on December 15, 2014. Worshipful Master Travis Bader stands by.

Worshipful Master Travis Bader (far right) of Mizpah Lodge No. 302 awarded the following brothers with membership awards (left to right): Brother David J Koukol, 25 years; WB Leonard L. Finnegan, 70 years; and Kenneth H. Bolas, 60 years. Members of Magnolia Lodge No. 220 in Emerson traveled to the home of Worshipful Brother Wayne W. Warren (second from right front) to present him with a 60-year 12 membership award on February 17.

Mar15.indd 12 3/9/2015 11:02:52 AM This flyer can be downloaded from the Grand Lodge web site! Nebraska Grand Lodge Ritual Contest Fellow Craft Degree BRONZE JORDAN MEDAL AWARD Saturday, October 3, 2015 hosted by Lancaster Lodge No. 54 at 1635 L St., Lincoln Saturday, October 31, 2015 hosted by Custer Lodge No. 148 at 1106 S E St., Broken Bow Monitor the Grand Lodge Website for further details. www.glne.org A team of three judges, led by the Grand Custodian, will judge all competition. The decisions of the “TANSTAAFL”by Dennis E. Rix, DGM Whatjudges isare being final, withjudged? the decision of the Grand Custodian being the ultimate word should the need arise. • Accuracy of the spoken ritual.

• Quality of the overall presentation of the degree. What• A isccuracy required of the to participate?floor work. The Grand Lodge of Nebraska will hold a Fellow Craft ritual • All team members will compete wearing a jacket and tie, apron and jewel. contest this year. There will be several teams competing for the • Each team will provide a candidate. (Candidate to be clothed as an Entered Apprentice right to demonstrate their skills at Annual Communication, hang without the hoodwink, or garments being arranged.) a plaque on the wall of their lodge, and proudly wear a lapel pin • The candidate does not repeat the obligation. • A team consists of all officers, including Secretary and Tyler. that is reserved for only those Masons willing to work, perform, candidate is brought to more light. and demonstrate that they are the best. There will be stress, nerves, • No sideliners rise to accompany the Worshipful Master and Stewards to the East when the but turns and faces the Junior Warden, then resumes with the “after passing the stairs”. anxious moments, and great satisfaction in knowing they did the • TheSenior competition Deacon conducts begins withthe candidate the declaration to the andpreparation ends when room the door ‘Letter as ifG’ being lecture reinvested, has been best job they could, and the teams competing will feel these things completed. too, just like the judges! judges. I want to encourage every lodge to polish up their Fellow Craft Who• mayThe lightsparticipate? will remain at full brightness during the entire competition for the benefit of the work and enter this contest. You may not have all the Brothers you • One team per lodge. • A team may enlist members of another lodge, but members of the joining lodge may only need in your lodge to field a team to compete. No Problem! Now participate on one team. i.e.: Members of Fremont 15 could not send some participants to you have a chance to approach another lodge and visit as Brothers, North Bend 119 and some to Acacia 34. on the level to combine your efforts and create a full roster. You owe it to that Entered Apprentice to work on this and be proud of What• Gr isand the Lodgereward? Officers and Deputy Grand Custodians are ineligible to participate on a team. the work you do. • DeputyThe winning Grand t eamCustodian will receive Apprentices a plaque ARE for eligible. display in the home lodge. • Teams with multiple lodges participating will receive plaques accordingly. It won’t be easy, but it WILL be worth it. Anything worth having • Each member of the winning team will receive a unique lapel pin. is worth working for. You have six months to prepare. Make your • The winning team will present the Fellow Craft contest program at the 2016 Annual Communication. Brothers proud! • The admiration and respect of your Brothers from across the state. There are two dates and locations for the contest. Any team is How to Enter

welcome to compete at either location. The same judges will be blank. Include Alternate Names if available, and circle the appropriate contest date. working each competition. • Fill out the Fellow Craft Ritual Contest Roster Completely. Do not leave any officer stations to: Grand Lodge of Nebraska, 301 N. Cotner Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68505-2315 • Email the form to Michelle at the Grand Lodge Office at [email protected] or mail the form Saturday, October 3, 2015 at 1635 L St., Lincoln

Saturday, October 31, 2015 at 1106 S E St, Broken Bow COTNER LODGE DOESN’T TURN A “BLIND” EYE TO CALL FOR HELP The title for this article is an acronym that has stuck with me for many years and is fitting for this competition: When the Deputy Grand Master recently contacted Troy Myers, Master of Cotner Lodge No. 297 in Lincoln, looking for some There Ain’t No Such Thing As A Free Lunch Brothers who might be able to install vertical blinds at the Grand Lodge Office, two members of Cotner lodge were at the office the You can win this contest, but you’re going to have to earn it! next day to take a look at the job that needed to be completed. Gayle Angus and Jerry Raikes got the job done quickly and masterfully. Grand Master’s Humanitarian Award Thank you Gayle and Jerry for your wonderful work!

At the Friday night Membership Banquet during Annual Communication, Most Worshipful Joe McBride surprised Worshipful Brother Gene Wehrbein of Plattsmouth Lodge No. 6 by awarding him with the Grand Master’s Humanitarian Award. Grand Master Joe included Gene’s wife Judy in the presentation, stating that she is also deserving of the award. 13

Mar15.indd 13 3/9/2015 11:02:55 AM Masonic Veterans by Bruce Anderson, Grand Secretary, Grand York Rite Partnership by AJ Johnson, Chairman Why Ask Another Lodge to Perform The New Grand Master is installed Your Ritual, but Not Your Own and we are ready to start another Masonic Year of activity. Most Worshipful John Members? Maxell’s Lady Deb has decided that her project for the year is to help Is your lodge willing to ask another lodge to perform ritual for breathe life back into a Masonic program the Grand Lodge started five your own new members? Why are many lodges eager to ask another years ago that has started to fall by the wayside. The program is the lodge (whose members have learned the ritual) to come in and perform Masonic Veterans Partnership, formerly the Change for Troops Program. it for them but not willing to ask their own members to learn ritual I have had the privilege of being the Chairman of this program since themselves? At the 2014 Grand Lodge Annual Communication a its inception by Most Worshipful Brother John Parsons. When Most program was introduced to facilitate Brothers becoming certified Worshipful Brother John started the program as Change for the Troops, individually proficient in the ritual work of the Lodge. It was mentioned we were initially purchasing phone cards and providing them to all that we are losing those Brothers who know the work from memory of the Service men and women from Nebraska deploying to support who could perform most any degree part. To this end the Grand Lodge operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. This was in hope of defraying is sponsoring classes to help any Brother learn the ritual work. What has some of the expenses of deployments, especially those associated with happened to the state of lodge ritual that makes such a class necessary? keeping in touch with loved ones back home. We provided thousands It truly is because we no longer have enough Brothers to perform the of cards to men and women deploying from Nebraska through 2012. ritual. But more importantly, why don’t we have enough of them? I At the end of 2012, the deployments tapered off and Most Worshipful contend that it is our own fault, not that of the individual Brothers we Brother Rex Moats asked me to look into other ways we could utilize are bringing in since we reduced the ritual requirement 25 years ago. the money collected from the program. In working with the Veteran’s We no longer ask these Brothers to take part in the ritual and we have Administration (VA) Hospital and the Disabled American Veterans not created a motivational environment for them to learn the work. (DAV) in Nebraska, we decided to look at purchasing a vehicle for the I feel that several factors have led to this environment. First, 25 DAV to transport patients across Nebraska to the Hospital in Omaha years ago we decided that it would be more beneficial to get more and the Clinics in Lincoln and Grand Island. Through the generosity men into Masonry rather than more Masonry into men. In addition of the entire Masonic Family to include youth groups, we purchased to reducing the ritual requirements for initial advancement through and presented the requested Ford FLEX pictured below. the degrees, we began a program focused on fast-tracking more men into the ranks by shorting our ritual requirements and offering One- day degrees. This prevented these new members from receiving the education and counseling they needed to properly understand our fraternity. We also then decided to somehow shorten the ritual work itself. The obviously was to eliminate the need for the new member to memorize anything and be able to quickly receive the degrees in short succession. We also shortened the Questions and Answers for advancement proficiency. When we shortened them we eliminated the interaction Most Worshipful Brother Thomas Hauder presenting the keys for the new between a new member and a “veteran” that was intended to enable the Ford FLEX to the DAV and VA Hospital representative. new memberChristmas to be tutored onat what the Masonry Grand is--the sessions Lodge needed to learn all the Questions and Answers were designed to give the new In February 2014, the member a chance to ask questions of his own and to learn not only the program was taken under the meaning of the fraternity but also to begin the habit of memorization. wing of the Nebraska Masonic In reality the new member wasn’t required to learn anything to advance Foundation and the name through the degrees, just a few lines to gain admission. There was was changed to Masonic no incentive to learn any more ritual unless it was the choice of the Veterans Partnership (MVP). individual new member, and that was extremely rare. And still is. As a program of the Nebraska I see that now we are trying to go back to where we should be –with Masonic Foundation, a 501(c) some lodges recognizing the benefits of asking members to memorize (3), contributions to the fund The Grand Lodge logo is featured on the ritual by requiring them to learn the Answers. This is a step, but not a are eligible for tax deduction. front right and left fenders, and there is big enough one. It is a start, at least, and we still have lodges resisting This year Grand Master also a 14-inch Square and Compass on this. It seems the people resisting are not our new candidates, but those John and his Lady Deb request the vehicle’s hatch gate. Brothers who have been around a while. the Masonic Family get If we want to improve our organization we need to go back to behind our MVP program and look at not only considering collecting how it was designed from the beginning. Require the new member enough money to potentially purchase the DAV another vehicle, but to learn the Answers through the counseling of a seasoned member to look at contributing to the homeless Veteran’s Program at the VA of the Masonic Order. Require the new member to learn a part of the Hospital in Omaha, and their program of transition for these homeless degree work and present it for the Lodge before they present it to the Veterans to fit back into society and show that they have not been candidate. The “old ways” were designed to sustain themselves and forgotten, but are greatly appreciated. promote the organization. We invest heavily in new members for the Donations can be made on the Nebraska future of our lodges. Let’s increase the yield by requiring our new Grand Lodge’s web page through Paypal at members to invest something of themselves in the ritualistic legacy the following URL: http://glne.org/mvp.html. of their lodge. 14

Mar15.indd 14 3/9/2015 11:02:55 AM Inaugural Individual Proficiency School Graduates Twenty-One Newly Proficient Masons

by Patrick D. Barger, Grand Junior Warden Twenty-One Nebraska Masons were certified individual proficiency on February 6, 2015, on the floor of the Grand Lodge’s 158th Annual Communication in Kearney. Grand Master Joe McBride (2014) and Grand Custodian Scott Krieger congratulated these pioneering students on their graduation from the inaugural Grand Lodge Individual Proficiency School. The school was the first of its kind in Nebraska and the 2014 class will go down in history as the original group of students to step up to the plate and go the extra mile to help their lodges ensure the story of what it means to be a Mason can be told for generations to come. The students learned every esoteric word of all three degrees of ancient craft Masonry—the Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason. Over a year’s time the multiple sections of each degree were broken down and studied separately, memorized, then recited for certification by the Grand Custodian or one of Standing L to R: Brent Myers; Noland McIntosh; Graham House; Dave Shaw; his Deputies. Students were taught and tested in the “roundtable” Mark Turner; David Norton; David Wetrosky; Rick Baker; Carl Diamond; Michael fashion (routinely used with existing proficient Masons for their Tomasiewicz; Jonathan Paz; Chuck Burk; and Greg Prososki. annual recertification) which consists of Brethren seated around a Seated L to R: Jim Carlton, Grand Orator and class graduate; MWB Scott Krieger, table with a person designated to recite the first line of a specified Grand Custodian; MWB Joe McBride, 2014 Grand Master; RW Dennis Rix, passage of ritual; the person beside him recites the next line, etc., Deputy Grand Master and class graduate; Patrick Barger, Grand Junior Warden; until it goes completely around the table and starts over. When the and Denny Brydl, Grand Historian and class graduate. curriculum calls for the class to review a particular portion of the Graduates not pictured: Joe D’Amico; John Herbolsheimer; Thomas Sorensen; ritual for the first time, Brethren read from the cipher to ensure Ric Thompson; and Bill Thummel. all words are interpreted correctly then go home and memorize that portion for the next class meeting. They are tested on this same material, without the use of a cipher, during the next class. Celebrating the Road to Students never know which line will be theirs during testing, as 100 Years of Service! class facilitators frequently reverse the direction of round table testing or start with a different Brother each time. This requires Five years away from its 100th anniversary, the Omaha Home every student to memorize all of the esoteric ritual. The roundtable for Boys commemorates its 95th birthday this year. When it was method of learning is also of great use in individual lodges’ ritual founded in 1920 as the Masonic Home for Children by local Omaha efforts, as reading the cipher in this manner helps new Masons Masonic lodges as a home for orphaned and homeless boys, the understand it and if round tables are held often enough, soon they world was a much different place than it is today. no longer need the cipher and can recite it from memory. At this However, over the past nine-plus decades, the Home and its point they can contact a Deputy Grand Custodian for testing for residents have persevered, braving good and bad times to remain Christmas at the Grand Lodge certification! At the very least, they will be well prepared to confer one of the city’s and state’s oldest child welfare organizations. degrees long before they reach the Senior Deacon chair. We now serve young men and women age 14 to 24 through The students of the inaugural Individual Proficiency School three programs: residential, transitional living and independent were given the extra incentive to earn the option of graduating, living. Our mission is to “Support and Strengthen youth, young “With Distinction” if they gave one of the lectures learned for adults and families through services that inspire and equip them the first time for the school during a live degree before a real to lead independent and productive lives.” candidate. It is my pleasure to announce that all graduates earned The Home will spend 2015 celebrating its 95th Anniversary this significant standing! with several activities on its 52nd and Ames campus as well as in Reach out to these graduates—each of them will be honored the community – highlighted by a Home family reunion August to help you and your lodges learn the ritual. Several of them have 1-2. We are excited to welcome back alumni, retirees and former been accepted as Deputy Grand Custodian Apprentices and are staff and the community that has supported and continues to support doing just that. You could be too! us today. Individual Proficiency School classes for 2015 are being held Beyond 2015, we will plan in Omaha, Lincoln, Wayne, Hastings, and Sidney. They will have and prepare for our Diamond commenced by the time you read this article but you may still anniversary in 2020, working be admitted at the point in the curriculum the class is currently to increase awareness about studying and go forward from there—it is possible to be certified our rich history and service in an individual degree and not all three; or catch up with the class to youth, young adults and through special tutoring from our instructors. Or, seek out a Deputy families. Grand Custodian to work with you individually to pursue your goal The Home is proud to of learning more ritual. continue to provide a safe, If you have questions concerning the class or want to know how nurturing environment for to become a Deputy Grand Custodian Apprentice, contact me at [email protected]. Continued on page 16... See you in lodge! 15

Mar15.indd 15 3/9/2015 11:02:55 AM The Nebraska Mason is produced quarterly THE NEBRASKA MASON Non-Profit Org. and distributed to more than 15,000 GRAND LODGE A.F. & A.M. OF NEBRASKA U.S. Postage members of the Masonic Family. Copy for 301 N COTNER BLVD PAID articles is due at the Grand Lodge Office LINCOLN, NE 68505-2315 Lincoln, NE on or before the following dates. Articles Permit No. 1066 received after these deadlines will be held ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED for possible inclusion in future issues: March 1 - June 1 September 1 - December 1 Send articles to: The Nebraska Mason Office of the Grand Lodge 301 North Cotner Boulevard Lincoln, NE 68505-2315

402.475.4640 MOVING? Please cut off the top of this E-mail: [email protected] page including your old address at the right and mail to the above address after filling in the NEW address shown below. New Address Like us on Facebook! (GrandLodgeofNebraska) City State Zip

4th Annual HOSPITALITY ROOM DONATIONS Brotherhood Walk The Grand Lodge of Nebraska would like to thank the Appendant Bodies for sponsoring the Hospitality Room Across the Bridge at Annual Communication. The hospitality room gives attendees a place to relax and enjoy fellowship outside of the formal meetings and meals. The $664 in dona- Hosted by Capitol Lodge No. 3 tions collected in the hospitality room were split evenly Saturday, June 20, 2015 between the Masonic Veterans Partnership and the Ne- 11:00 am braska Freemasons CHIP Foundation. Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge Omaha Home for Boys - Continued Those wishing to participate should meet young people in need, giving them opportunities to grow, resources on the Nebraska side of the bridge. Nebraska to develop and tools to learn. Our ability to adapt and remain strong over the years – no matter Masons will meet Iowa Masons at the mid- the circumstances – is what has allowed us to remain the steadfast point of the bridge. organization that we are today. As we move toward this milestone birthday, we know that we could not have accomplished this tremendous feat of longevity and success without the support of friends like you – so we invite you to join us as we travel up the road to 100. Please watch for LODGE OFFICERS MANUAL future details and more information in the months leading up to the Reunion Weekend. We invite you to celebrate with us! Visit www.omahahomeforboys.org for the dates of other Home Grand Master John Maxell will make a activities and events as well as for more information. presentation on the Lodge Officers Manualand officer dutiesat Blazing Star Lodge No. 200 in Burwell (270 S 8th St) on April 11, 2015. The presentation will be held from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. Lunch will be served following the meeting.

To attend, please RSVP to Grand Senior Deacon Bob Moninger at 402-416-4164 or to [email protected]. 16

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