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BLUE LODGE NOTES NOTE FROM THE EDITOR KEEP IN MIND THE CHRISTMAS PARTY AT THE MASONIC TEMPLE AT 16TH & L STREET ON SATURDAY DECEMBER 6TH AT 5:30 P.M. THIS IS CITY WIDE CHRISTMAS PARTY. EVERYONE IS INVITED TO BRING POT LUCK. SANTA CLAUS AND HIS ELVES WILL MAKE AN APPEARANCE. FROM GARY HAHN ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9TH, 2008 In Memoriam - The passing of WB. Ted McNeese
TED MCNEESE It has been made known that our Brother, Companion and Sir knight Ted McNeese has been called to the Celestial Lodge above on Tuesday, April 8th, 2008. He was a Past Master of East Lincoln Lodge #210, was a member of all Lincoln York Rite Bodies: Capstone Chapter #64, Lincoln Chapter #6, Lincoln Council #4 and Mount Moriah Commandery #4, Scottish Rite, and Eastern Star. Further information to follow.
From Eldon Ogorzolka on Wednesday, November 14th, 2007
Nobles,
Craftsmen Lodge #314 is having their annual Pancake Feed
Sunday Nov. 18 at 27th & B St. Would appreciate your support. Proceeds to
help with repairs to the Lodge.
HRS. 8:30 am to 12:30
Adults $5.00
Children 12 to 4 $2.50
Under 4 Free
Thanks,
Eldon O
From Larry Zwart on Thursday, December 21st, 2006 *Worshipful Brother Alex Murray*, Past Master 2003, York Rite
member and
Brethren, Companions, Sir Knights, and Fratres:
Some of you are already aware of the huge fire this
afternoon in York and that it totally destroyed York Lodge #56 AF&AM. At least
no one was seriously injured fighting the fire, so far as I know at this
point.
The entrance to the lodge is the aluminum door on the right. The four windows that are above it is the lounge and the dining room. It appears that the fire wall on the left is holding somewhat.
Betty and I arrived home about noon today from my
official visit last night to the York Rite Council in McCook. Shortly after 1
pm I received a call from our Junior Warden who informed me there was smoke
coming from the building east of the lodge and that the fire department might
need to get into our part of the contiguous building. I immediately walked the
three blocks to the lodge and gave my keys to the fire chief. There was quite
a lot of smoke coming from the second floor windows at the east end of the
block and the lodge is west of the center of the block. At that time, it
looked as if the fire department might get it under control fairly soon.
As time passed, however, it became apparent that
our one ladder truck was not up to the job by itself and a third and then
fourth alarm went out for help. Eventually, four ladder trucks arrived, one
each from Seward, David City, and Grand Island. Other departments also arrived
to assist but by 3 pm it was evident that the lodge itself was becoming
involved, the fire having bypassed two firewalls to get into the lodge proper.
For a while, it looked as if the whole block would go, but the double firewall
between the lodge and the old York College building to the west held and with
two trucks pouring water down that firewall on the lodge side, they stopped it
there.
From what I could see from back of the police
firelines, it appears that the fire never reached below the second floor, at
least at our Lodge end of the fire. Of course, the Lodge is on the second
floor and when I finally left to come home around 7 pm it was certain that it
is a total loss. I'm also sure the three businesses on the ground floors will
be unable to continue there because of all of the smoke and water damage, even
if the fire didn't destroy them. We do have insurance on the lodge and
contents, which will go a ways toward helping obtain and furnish a replacement
building, but there is no replacing all of the historical and priceless
artifacts that it contained, including many of the lodge records, York Rite
sets and costumes, etc.
I will be looking for a temporary location in which
to hold our meetings until a new building can be completed. I expect to have a
location for the MSRICF meeting next Thursday which I will announce at the
dinner that evening at the Chances-R Restaurant. The Red Cross of Constantine
meeting schedule there for November 11 will also be relocated and an effort
made to inform all concerned of the new location.
This Lodge Building had served York Lodge #56 A.F.&A.M. and the York, Nebraska Community for 120 years in the same building which has to be some record. At the bottom of this Blue Lodge page is the dedication of York Lodge #56 A.F.&A.M accomplished around October 15th, 1886, 120 years almost to the day. We will all miss the old lodge very much.
Utica Lodge #96 has offered their lodge for our use
and I am sure that Stromsburg and Geneva will do the same. We may find it
useful to take them up on their offer, especially for degree work, which we
expect to be forthcoming soon as we have a candidate to vote on in our regular
communication on October 31. I will ask the Grand Lodge for permission to hold
our Communications in other secure locations.
We wanted a new building, but not in this way or
even at this time; however, the choice is no longer ours. Now, we need to gird
up our loins, to use a biblical phrase, and get to work. If anyone has
suggestions to offer for the good of the Lodge, please let me know.
Fraternally,
Fred O. Wyant,
Master, York Lodge #56
Secretary-Treasure, Nebraska College MSRICF
From John Dale, Grand Commander, Knights Templar of Nebraska FIRE DESTROYS YORK, NEBRASKA MASONIC CENTER By John F. Dale Grand Commander, Knights Templar of Nebraska As you may already know, a davastating fire on Friday, October 20th, 2006, destroyed the building and contents of the Masonic Center in downtown York, Nebraska, the home of York Lodge #56, A.F.& A.M, Solomon Chapter #33, Royal Arch Masons, and Joppa Commandery #17, Knights Templar. Neighboring buildings and businesses also suffered major damages. The fire appears to have started in the business below the Lodge, but the fire's cause is still under investigation. Immediate plans are being explored to locate and arrange a temporary location, which may be used by the Masonic Bodies of York. Long range plans for a new home for these bodies will be developed later. In addition to the need for another meeting space, It is clear that the York Rite Bodies will need to replace many items of furniture and equipment. At this early stage, as Grand Commander and Grand High Priest, we are asking you to take inventory and consider how you might be able to assist our Brothers, Companions, and Sir Knights in York. As I have visited around the state, I have observed that many of our Masonic Centers have aprons, Royal Arch robes, swords, chapeaus, etc. which might be shared. Do not send anything now. I am simply writing to make you aware of the situation. The bodies in York will make an assessment of what they will need, and further communication will be coming to you so you can determine specifically what you could do. In the meantime, please hold these good Masons of York in your prayers, concern and fraternal love. Signed: John F. Dale, Grand Commander Grand York Rite of Nebraska - e-mail - neyorkrite@windstream.net
MASONIC TEMPLE NOMINATION On Friday, May 20th, 2005, at 1:00 p.m., the Masonic Temple at 1635 L Street in Lincoln, Nebraska is coming up for nomination by the National Historical Board to be added to the List of National Historical Places. This Nomination is to be held at Whitcomb Conservatory on the Doane Campus. Anyone who would like to attend is welcome.
Installation Practice of 19, 54, 300 will take place at the Masonic Temple on Sunday, January 8th, 2006 commencing at 12:30 p.m. Those interested be there for practice. The Three Lodge Installation of Liberty Lodge #300, Lancaster Lodge #54 and Lincoln Lodge #19 A:. F:. & A:. M:. will take place at the Masonic Temple, 16th & L Streets on Thursday, January 12th, 2006 commencing at 7:00 p.m. Pictures will be taken at 6:00 p.m.
The brethren of Lincoln #19, Liberty #300, and Lancaster #54 being installed
Masters of -Lincoln Lodge #19 - Liberty Lodge #300 - Lancaster Lodge #54 (from left to right) Kurt Weiss #19 - Brent Myers #300 - Don Gasparetti #54
The officers of Lancaster Lodge #54 A.:F.:& A.:M.:
The officers of Liberty Lodge $300 A.:F.:& A.:M.:
The officers of Lincoln Lodge #19 A.:F.:& A.:M.:
The Installing Officers of #19, #54, & #300
(from left to right) W. B. Steven Green- Lancaster Lodge #54 - Senior Deacon W. B. Reginald Kuhn - Lincoln Lodge #19 -Organist M. W .B. James F. Brown Jr.- Lancaster Lodge #54 - Installing Master W. B. Pete Bornemier - Liberty Lodge #300 - Secretary W. B. Virgil Meints - Lincoln Lodge #19 - Marshal W. B. Roger W. Miner - Liberty Lodge #300 - Chaplain
New Masters receive their gavels
Jobes Bethel 27 doing Floral Cross
Worshipful Master Brent Myers of Liberty Lodge, the Host Lodge this year, introduces Most Worshipful Brother Ivan Vrtiska of the Grand Lodge Ancient Free & Accepted Masons of Nebraska
Master's Reception following Installation Note - The Editor of Masonry Nebraska would like to thank Debra Kendle for her fine work as Photographer during these installation proceedings.
LINCOLN AREA CENTRAL
SCHOOLS OF INSTRUCTION FOR THE YEAR 2007 Entered Apprentice School - Monday, March 12th, 2007. - 7:00 P.M. - Host Lodge - Cotner Lodge #297 A:. F:. & A:. M:. - 1542 North 65th Street, Lincoln, Nebraska.
Master Masons School, First Section -
Thursday,
March 22nd, 2007 - 7:00 P.M. - Host Lodge - East Lincoln Lodge #210 A:. F:. & A:.
M:. - 2700 S Street , Lincoln, Nebraska. Master Masons School, Second Section -
Friday,
March 30th, 2007 - 7:00 P.M. - Host Lodge - Lancaster Lodge #54 A:. F:. & A:.
M:. - 1635 L Street,
Lincoln, Nebraska.
NEBRASKA GRAND YORK RITE ANNUAL SESSION 2007 Nebraska Grand York Rite Annual Session will be held on April 18th, 19th, 20th, & 21st, 2007, at the New World Inn, Columbus, Nebraska. On Wednesday, April 18th, 2007, All Past Grand High Priests plan on attending the Grand High Priests' Dinner at 6:30 P.M. In the evening, a meeting of Sir Galahad Priory K.Y.C.H. will also be held. The Order of High Priesthood and the Order of the Silver Trowel will be given in the afternoon. On Thursday, April 19th, 2007, the "Nails" Breakfast will begin at 7:00 A.M. and Grand Council will open at 8:00 A.M. Grand Chapter, Grand Council, And Grand Commandery Officers Elect dinner will commence at 6:30 P.M. On Friday, April 20th, 2007, Grand Chapter will open at 8:00 A.M. and the Formal Grand York Rite Banquet will begin at 6:30 P.M. On Saturday, April 21st, 2007, the Red Cross of Constantine Breakfast will begin at 7:00 A.M. The Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Nebraska will open at 8:00 A.M. and at 6:30 P.M. the Past Commanders' Banquet will commence at 6:30 P.M. Contact the New World Inn in Columbus, Nebraska, (402-564-1492) for reservations. YORK RITE DEGREE SPRING CONFERRAL 2007 On Saturday, March 31st, 2007, The York Rite Degrees will be given on a One-Day Conferral at the Masonic Center in Hastings, Nebraska commencing at 8:00 A.M. Be there at 7:30 for rolls & coffee. YORK RITE DEGREE CONFERRAL FALL 2007 On Saturday, October 6th, 2007, The York Rite Degrees will be given on a One-Day Conferral at the Masonic Temple, 1635 L Street in Lincoln, Nebraska commencing at 7:30 A.M. Be there at 7:15 for rolls & coffee. (Further Information to follow). The Scottish Rite Spring Reunion 2006 On Saturday, March 25th, 2006, The Scottish Rite, Lincoln Valley, will hold their Annual Scottish Rite Reunion this year at the Scottish Rite Temple in Lincoln. Further Information to Follow.
YORK LODGE # 56 A:.F:. & A:.M:. DEDICATION (As reported in "The York Republician," October, 1886 ) The Masonic Dedication, Banquet and Ball Dateline - October 15th, 1886 The Masonic Fraternity held the dedicatory services of their new hall in the Masonic block last Friday evening. There was a select audience of between three and four hundred present to participate in the exercises. The hall, which is one of the finest in the state, was most tastefully decorated and was most admirably fitted to entertain the guests in royal style. Grand Master C. K. Conant, of Omaha, assisted by Past Master Wemple and Rawalt, of Hastings, Grand Custodian, with the Officers of York Lodge, conducted the dedicatory solemnities in a manner fitting the occasion, the lodge uniting in the Grand Honors. Rev. L. F. Britt, D. D. of Hastings, delivered the oration with his usual eloquence. The exercises were interspersed with music by Misses Mabel and Maud Chilcote, Miss Nellie Hackney, Miss Anderson, C. T. Macy, Dr. McConaughy, Mr. Green, and Dr. Hatfield, with Miss Green at the organ. After the oration, Dr. W. M. Knapp proposed a variety of toasts, which were responded to by D. E. Sedgwick, W. E. Morgan, G. B. France, Col. Crabb, W. T. Scott, F. C. Power, Grand Master Conant, and Grand Custodian Wemple. During the toasting, Miss Anderson with violin, Mr. Geddes with the cornet, and Miss Green at the organ, gave a trio which was heartily encored. Following this part of the entertainment, came the banquet, which was spread under the supervision of mine host Hackney and his estimable wife and daughter. The following menu will give an idea of the gustatorial delights presented: Oyster Soup, Salmon a la royal, Cole Slaw, Raw Oysters, Celery, Patato Salad, Young turkey, Cranberry Jelly, Sweet Potatoes, Sweet Corn, Boston Brown Bread, Beef al Villeroe, Chicken Salad, French Peas, Scalloped Oysters, Baked Ham, Patatoe Coquettes, French Split Rolls, Oysters au vel an vent, Olives, Chow Chow, Worcestershire Sauce, Coloron Sauce, Salad Dressing, Sweet Pickles, Tomato Catsup, Picallili, Queen Pudding, Apple Pie, Cranberry Pie, Lemon Pie, Pumpkin Pie, Tarts, White Nut Cake, Lady Fingers, Fruit Cake, Jelly Roll, Chocolate Pound Cake, Kisses, Oranges, Bananas, Apples, Grapes, Peaches, Nuts, Raisins, Ice Cream, Teas, Chocolate, Milk, & Coffee. Following the banquet was the ball at the Opera House, where the lovers of the trepsichorean art kept time to the music furnished by Oppfelt's orchestra. Altogether the members of the York Lodge #56 A. F. & A. M. are to be congratulated not only adding their admirable hall to the excellent appointments of the town, but on the happy method of entertaining their guests. Their dedication and banquet will be remembered as a notable gathering. This article was provided by Past Master Fred O. Wyant, October 28th, 2004 Post Script: It should be noted that York Lodge #56 has been in the same building since this dedication throughout the years.
Brethren: Masonic Light comes from all of our masonic bodies. To prove this point, please read this article from Most Puissant Perry Anderson, General Grand Master of the General Grand Council Cryptic Masons International. Don't you believe this should be our Goal and Vision for Masonry.
From Most Puissant Perry Anderson General Grand Master 2002 - 2005 "The Best Days of Masonry is yet to come" Our goal and vision is to put Masonry Back into the Masons. In other words lets get back to the basics. We realize this will not be a simple task, but neither will it be impossible. Many positive things are happening. When we start doing good things, good results will follow. Through out our world, many changes are being made that will make our Fraternity relevant in today's world. Masonry is made of builders, and when we build Men, we build our Fraternity. Masonry is a house of many rooms; in this house there is room for every part of Masonry. We must remember that basically the same thing goes on in every room. The lessons are the same in every body of Masonry; they are just presented in a different manner. One might call this house the University for the real needs of life. Putting the Masonry back into the Masons means to putting the real spirit of Masonry into the lives of Men: Members and non-members alike. It means bringing relief and help through the real art of Masonry. It means gaining and holding their friendship and confidence. It means first having confidence in our orders. It means exhibiting these principles by example. It means each and every one of us must display the real spirit of Masonry. The York Rite leadership is providing through the Regional Conferences, an opportunity for the leaders and future leaders of the York Rite bodies, to develop the skills needed to bring effective leadership to our different jurisdictions. These conferences will enable all of us to share our successes and develop ways to make our meetings interesting and worthwhile enough to attract the members we have been loosing. Pooling the efforts of many we are able to accentuate our strong points and work together on strengthening our weak ones. (Editors Note: This is not only true of York Rite but all of the Masonic Bodies in General. As we have our Conferences and our workshops throughout the year, keep these thoughts in mind.) We urge each of you as leaders to be sure you and your officers attend these conferences. We plan for them to be the same in each Region, so if time constraints prohibit your attending one, you may visit another. Some times your neighboring regions will be more convenient to attend. The basic content will be the same in each region. You will be able to leave with a plan of action. These conferences are very important and will help you very much in your planning. As in all of Masonry we need each other for all the help we can get. I will end with this, I do not know who wrote it: Masonic Force Every man who has taken the degrees of Masonry and then gone on to apply those principles to his life knows that there is a Masonic Force. He knows because he has experienced it. We know that the force of Masonry is real because we see and feel its effects on the lives of Masons and non-masons. We know it is real, but how can we describe it in plain words? The ancient Greek philosophers defined the four cardinal virtues, temperance, fortitude, prudence, and justice. These are discussed at length in our ritual. To these we have added a fifth Masonic virtue, tolerance. We become so concerned about keeping the organization alive that we forget the ideas and ideals that gave it birth. We begin by having a great idea forcing our thinking and acting into new channels and we end by serving the organization. Freemasonry is not the formal procedures that we see in our rituals, ceremonies, constitutions, by-laws, regulations, edicts, meeting agendas, training programs, application forms, organizational structures, etc. True Freemasonry resides in the hearts and minds of those that love it and practice its ideals. Freemasonry must be a Force to be used and Not a Form to be served. MP Perry Anderson sent this article to the MASONIC FORUM Magazine on the occasion of the tenth anniversary from the Rekindling of the Masonic Light in Romania
DID YOU KNOW: That East Lincoln Lodge #210 was chartered in 1892 in Lincoln, Nebraska and George Washington Lodge #250 was chartered in 1901.
The Global Fraternal Network The webmaster of Masonry Nebraska has been chosen by the Global Fraternal Network to be the Nebraska Representive for this body. Any Mason interested in joining this Global Fraternal Body can contact http://www.masonic-network.com/. By joining this body, it makes it possible for masons all over the world to meet and communicate with one another and to share each others thoughts. Join with us and get acquainted with our brothers worldwide. GRAND LODGE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK
To the Members of the Global Fraternal Network and to all my Masonic Brethren World-Wide: Greetings! I am honored to have an opportunity to address you all at this time. Every organization must have a Mission Statement that tells you what that organization is about and why it exists. As the Grand Master of Masons in the State of New York, I have charged the Grand Lodge Long Range Planning Team to develop a Mission Statement. This is our Mission Statement: “Freemasonry is a worldwide organization composed of men of high integrity who join together under the Fatherhood of God to further the practice of a moral code - proven by a long and distinguished history; relevant to the complexities of the world today, and founded on the highest standards of ethics, honesty and character". An organization should also have a Vision Statement that asks such questions as "What do we want to become? Where are we going? What do we want to be three, five and ten years from now? Thus this is my Vision Statement:"That from our vibrant and visible Lodges,the well-understood Craft of Freemasonry is a critical element in the success of every community, providing men of character and moral fortitude in all leadership roles". The objectives of the Global Fraternal Network reflect the spirit, principles and ideals of both our Mission and Vision Statements. Its two Founders, Past District Deputy Grand Masters of this Jurisdiction, with astute foresight and without asking for personal recognition and awards, created in 1996 this exclusive, password-controlled platform on the Internet especially for Free Masons. Here, Master Masons from all around the world get together, interact, develop closer fraternal ties, voice their opinions, contribute ideas, foster a Masonic exchange and enlighten interested men about the Fraternity. It has proven a big success. I have known the Founders of this organization for many years and speak regularly of the GFN in my travels. We particularly note the number of new members that have originated from initial contact on the GFN web site. Since the attraction of new members is so important to our future, the GFN also proves to be a wonderful new way to reach potential candidates. My brothers, there is such a wealth of talent throughout the Fraternity where ideas can come from to assist in helping reach potential candidates and spread the good works of Masonry throughout the world. I welcome those ideas and hope that the sharing of information through this medium, the GFN will continue to bring forth new ways to re-vitalize and grow our beloved Fraternity. Please accept my heartiest congratulations and thanks for the wonderful work that you, Members of the Global Fraternal Network, are doing to bring our beloved Craft forward into the next generation. I heartily endorse the GFN and wish the Founders, Staff and all its Members continued great success. Sincerely and Fraternally, Carl J. Fitje
Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Nebraska F. & A.M. Website: http://www.mwphglne.org/home.htm Editors Note: One of the best Websites on Freemasonry that this editor has had the privilege to view has come to me by a noble through Shriners 2000. Noble Scott Eastwold from El Riad Temple in Sioux Falls, South Dakota suggested we view the Website of Unity Lodge #130. They have done an excellent job of presenting Masonry to our brethren and to people at large. You my view this website by going to : http://www.unitylodge.com NOTES: General "Black Jack" Pershing became a member of Lincoln Lodge #19 in Lincoln, Nebraska, where he was raised on December, 22nd, 1888. Masonic relationships touched his life from that time on, beginning with a member of his own Lodge, William Jennings Bryan. Sir Knight Pershing, I believe, was also a member of Mount Moriah Commandery #4 in Lincoln, Nebraska. Lincoln Lodge #19 and Mount Moriah Commandery #4 are two of our oldest lodges in Lincoln and Nebraska and are very rich in Masonic and Nebraska History. See the full story on the Lodge of Education Page.
GEORGE WASHINGTON LODGE #250 FISH FRY On Saturday, April 8th, 2006, George Washington Lodge #250 will host their usual Saturday Fish Fry. Be aware that this will continue on the 2nd Saturday of every Month from April through September. Serving will start at 4:30 P.M. and will end at 7:00 P.M. Dinner will include all the fish you can eat, Baked Beans, Cole Slaw, Potatoes, and drinks will be furnished. Adults $8.00 and Children $4.00. Come One - Come All. Editors Note: I have recently become acquainted with the Global Fraternal Network Rep. of New Zealand. He is a young Mason and a member of Lodge Mana #352 in Wellington, New Zealand. To visit their Website go to: http://www.lodgemana.org.nz/. I am sure that you will find this site very enlightening.
One of our newest websites of masonic interests is our sister lodge in Bethany, a suburb of Lincoln, Nebraska. This lodge, Cotner Lodge #297 , has provided us with an excellent website of interest. You may visit their website at http://www.cotnerlodge.org. Please visit Sesostris Shrines new Homepage website at http://www.sesostrisshrine.org . Please visit our new Grand Lodge Homepage at http://glne.org. You blue lodges may want to use the Grand Lodge shell for your home page. Contact the Grand Lodge for further information. Grand Lodge Office - |
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Last modified : January 1st, 2007
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