THE GRAND LODGE A:. F:. & A:. M:.

                                                    OF NEBRASKA

                                       YEAR 2008 OFFICERS

    SPECIAL APPOINTMENTS

PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES OF THE GRAND MASTER

On Sunday, February 10th, 2008, there will be an Installation of the 2008 - 2009 Officers  of the  Grand Lodge Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Nebraska commencing at 2:30 p.m., at the Scottish Rite Temple in Lincoln, Nebraska. Reception Following.

GRAND LODGE COMMUNICATION

Addendum to the Minutes of Mount Moriah Commandery #4 on March 3^rd, 2008

This report was originally produced for Galahad Drill Team Page

Mount Moriah Color Guard:

Mount Moriah was asked to present the flag at the Installation of our Grand Lodge Officers by Most Worshipful Reginald Kuhn at their installation at Scottish Rite on February 10^th, 2008. Performing that function was Sir Knights Tom Morrissey, Jim Batten, Richard Harris and Roger Miner. Any Sir Knight wishing to serve in this function, should make it known to the Eminent Commander.

Grand Commandery Escort:

On Thursday, February 21^st, 2008, Sir Knights Tom Morrissey and Roger Miner from Mount Moriah Commandery #4 along with Sir Knight Bob Williams of Mount Nebo #11 served as Grand Commandery Escort for the Nebraska Grand Lodge at the Cornerstone Laying at the new Truck Driving School called The Harlan Building at Central Community College in Hastings. The Knights of Columbus Color Guard #0608 presented the Colors at the beginning of the program. The National Anthem was sung by Adams Central High School Madrigals. Mr. William Hitesman, Campus President, Welcomed the assemblage and Introductions were given by Dr. LaVern Franzen, College President, and Board Perspective was given by Mr. Wayne Sasges, of the Board of Governors. Mr. Rick Sheehy, Lt. Governor of Nebraska gave some very interesting remarks.

The Nebraska Grand Lodge then proceeded with the Cornerstone Laying. When it became time to announce by the Grand Marshal from the four points of the compass that the cornerstone was laid in ample form, A very surprised group was blown out of their chairs by the horn of a new tractor from Werner Enterprises that was parked in the ceremonial area to emphasize the four directions. I believe that to be a first. To finish out the day, the ribbon cutting was performed by the Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors. After the dedication, lunch was served at the Hastings Masonic Center. Our hosts were Hastings Lodge #50 and Midwest Lodge #317 A.F. & A.M.

On February 22^nd, 2008, Dr. Wayne Vian of Ashlar Lodge #33 A. F. & A. M. Requested the Grand Lodge to lay the Cornerstone at the new Grand Island – Hall County Law Enforcement Center.Sir Knights Tom Morrissey and Roger Miner traveled to Grand Island to be part of the escort for the Nebraska Grand Lodge Cornerstone Laying representing the Grand Commandery of Nebraska along with members of Mount Nebo in Hastings, Mount Lebanon #6 in Grand Island, and other Commanderies in Nebraska. Seven Sir Knights in all and seven members of the Knights of Columbus making a fine escort.

Groundbreaking took place on May 15^th, 2006 and the move-in was accomplished on January 18^th, 2008. The architect was Wilson Estes Police Architects of Mission Kansas and Chief Construction of Grand Island was the General Contractor.

After the Cornerstone Laying, the Dedication Ceremony was performed by Pete Kortum, Captain, Grand Island Police Department as Master of Ceremonies and Gary Bennett, Chaplain, Invocation and Blessing. Speakers were Margaret Hornaday, Mayor of G.I. Bud Jefferies Chairman, Hall County Board of Supervisors, Steve Lamken, Chief, G. I. P. D. and Jerry Watson, Sheriff, Hall County. And Irene Abernethy, Hall Count Historian.

After the dedication, a ribbon cutting ceremony was performed. Building Tours and Refreshments were offered.

This from Our Grand Marshal, W.B. Joe McBride on Tuesday , February 12th, 2008

From Michelle Fulmer on Friday, January 25th, 2008

This from Our Grand Marshal, W.B. Joe McBride on Sunday , December 28th, 2007

This from Our Grand Marshal, W.B. Joe McBride on Sunday , December 2nd, 2007

RECEIVED OCTOBER 3RD, 2007

Join Us

Friday, October 19, 2007 from 7:30 am to 9:00 am

In The Omaha Home for Boys Dining Hall

For the 9th Annual

Grand Master's Breakfast

Hosted by Shiloh Lodge #327

Featuring Most Worshipful Grand Master Dean Skokan

And other Grand Lodge Line Officers

The Omaha Home for Boys is located at 52^nd and Ames Avenue in Omaha

Tickets for the breakfast are $9.00 each ... or purchase a block of 5 for $40.00

We need to have a final count by Tuesday, October 16th, so please call today!

All profits will go Nebraska Masonic Relief.

Shiloh Lodge No. 327       -            P.M. John T. Maxell

Home: 402/896-1060 Work: 402/740-6302 E-mail: john.maxell@galarson.com

P.M. Paul D. Rutherford, Home: 402/596-9774

This from Bruce Anderson on Sunday, August 12th, 2007

Comapnions and Sir Knights, it again my  sad duty to inform you of the death of one of our Masonic Brothers. Harry A. Spencer 103, Plattsmouth, formerly of Lincoln, died Thursday (8/9/07). Born 9/16/03 in Bishops Waltham, England, to Richard and Mary (Richardson) Spencer. Retired Justice of the Nebraska Supreme Court. He assumed leadership roles in many fraternal organizations. His unwavering commitment to masonry since 1925 is evident, as he served as Lodge 227 Master, Grand Master of the Nebraska Grand Lodge, Potentate of Sesostris Shrine, Worthy Patron of Eastern Star, Scottish Rite 33rd Degree, KCCH. Past Grand High Priest in 1955 , Jobs Daughter Guardian and Demolay Dad. For over 60 years, he served on the Nebraska Masonic Home Board, many of those as president.

Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Wednesday (8/15/07), First United Methodist Church, 2723 N. 50th Street, Pastor Jamie Norwich McLennan officiating. Burial in Wyuka Cemetery. There will be luncheon held at the Scottish Rite Building, 332 Centennial Mall South following burial. Roper & Sons, 4300 "O" St. Memorials to the Nebraska Masonic Home, Alzheimers Wing, 1300 Avenue D, Plattsmouth, NE 68048; First United Methodist Church, 2723 N. 50th St., Lincoln, NE (04), or donor's choice. Condolences or personal reflections may be sent to the Masonic Home listed above.


Bruce T. Anderson, PGHP
Grand Secretary/Recorder
Grand York Rite of Nebraska

From Michelle Fulmer on Friday, August 10th, 2007

    From Michelle Fulmer on Thursday, August 9th, 2007

 This from Our Grand Marshal, W.B. Joe McBride on Tuesday , July 24th, 2007

This from Our Grand Marshal, W.B. Joe McBride on Wednesday , July 11th, 2007

This from Our Grand Marshal, W.B. Joe McBride on Friday, July 6th, 2007

This from Bruce Anderson on Monday, January 29th, 2007

Jerry was a very active Mason and a member of the York Rite. The list of his Masonic accomplishments is very lengthy, including a Past Grand Master of Masons of Nebraska.
 
Jerry L. Rittenburg, 70, Lincoln, died Friday (1/26/07).

Memorial services: 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, 6800 S.14th St. Graveside services: 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Unadilla Cemetery. Visitation: noon-9 p.m. today, with family receiving friends from 6-8 p.m., funeral home. A gathering for fellowship will immediately follow the memorial service at the Sesostris Shrine, 1717 Yolande Ave. Memorials, in lieu of flowers, to the Nebraska Masonic Home or the Masonic All Star Marching Band. Condolences may be left at www.lincolnfh.com.
 

Bruce T. Anderson, PGHP
Grand Secretary/Recorder
Grand York Rite of Nebraska
 

Sir Knights:

The Grand Lodge and Grand Master M.W. Scott Krieger would like to have as many Sir Knights as can attend Grand Lodge be present in Dress Blue Uniform to be escort for Grand Lodge Diginitaries on Grand Lodge Opening Morning on Friday, February 2nd, 2007. Take Due Notice Thereof and Govern Yourselves Accordingly.

S.K. Roger Miner

This from Our Grand Marshal, W.B. Joe McBride on Saturday, January 27th, 2007

January 22nd, 2006

Most Worshipful Brother Jerry Rittenburg is in intensive care at Bryan LGH East. Please everyone, keep Jerry in your prayers.

This from P.M.Mark Baldwin of Doric #342 Grand Rapids Michigan on January 2nd, 2006

I'm forwarding a message from the Worshipful Master of Doric #342
(Malta merged with them)
Mark Baldwin, Past Master Doric #342
Saladin Temple
Grand Rapids

Brothers,

Tomorrow evening, Brother Ford's body will lie in repose at the Ford
Museum. The casket will be very difficult to view due to long lines,
however I will be making the walk from the Temple to the Museum at
6pm tomorrow evening (January 2nd). If anyone would care to join me,
please be at the Temple by 5:45 to get an apron (officers may also
wear a jewel). Please be respectful in choosing your clothing attire
for this viewing. I will be in business casual attire with an
overcoat. I hope to see several of you there.

Wednesday, we will line the sidewalk outside of the Temple as the
funeral procession goes by around 1pm. Please be at the Temple no
later than noon in order to dress with an apron and claim a spot on
the sidewalk. I'm sure the streets will be very full.
I hope to see many of you there as we say a final goodbye to Brother
Ford.

Fraternally,
Jon Duley, WM
 

This Record was provided by W.B. James Marples on December 30th, 2006

THE MASONIC RECORD OF PRESIDENT
GERALD RUDOLPH FORD

This from Our Grand Marshal, W.B. Joe McBride on August 18th, 2006

This from Our Grand Marshal, W.B. Joe McBride on August 14th, 2006

Thedford Court House Cornerstone

This from Our Grand Master, M.W.M. Scott Krieger on August 14th, 2006

Thedford Court House Cornerstone

Brethren:

This cornerstone laying ceremony is only the second one this year, and, as worshipful brother Joe said in his e-mail we need to make every effort for a good showing.  I realize most of us will be in Omaha on Saturday and that will make a rather long trip to Thedford however, please make every endeavor to fit this into your schedule.  Since this is only the second one this year I certainly don't expect anyone to be burned out from traveling to too many cornerstones.

Thanks in advance for your participation,
 

Scott Krieger

                                                          Genesis

Our Grand Lodge has been leading Blue Lodge Masonry in Nebraska for 142 years. Masonry started in Nebraska when three Nebraska Masonic Lodges were chartered under dispensation by the Grand Lodges of three Midwestern states.

On February  1855, Nebraska Lodge #184 in Bellevue, Nebraska  was  created and then chartered on October 3, 1855 by The Grand Lodge of Illinois.  Giddings Lodge #156  of Nebraska City was  chartered on May 28, 1856 by The Grand Lodge of Missouri. Then on June 3rd, 1857, Capitol lodge #101 of Omaha, City Nebraska was  chartered  by The Grand Lodge of Iowa. Our Grand Lodge was created by help of these lodges to form The Grand Lodge of Nebraska, on September 23, 1857. These lodges were later to be known as Nebraska #1,of Omaha, Western Star #2 of Nebraska City, and Capitol Lodge #3 of Omaha. The Masters and Wardens of the several lodges met in Omaha City, Nebraska Territory, for the purpose of organizing a Grand Lodge for the Territory of Nebraska.  Some of the earlier  blue lodges to be chartered by The Grand Lodge of Nebraska were Nemaha Valley #4 in Brownville on June 2nd 1858, Omadi Lodge #5 of South Sioux City on June 2nd, 1858, and Plattsmouth Lodge on June 2, 1858. Many lodges have been formed since then.  (From Procedings of the Grand Lodge of Nebraska,  Omaha City, Nebraska Territory, Sept. 23, 1857)   

On September 23, 1857, Robert Carrel Jordan, of Capitol Lodge in Omaha, was installed as our 1st Grand Master of The Grand Lodge of Nebraska. He has come to be remembered by our masonic brethern as the Father of Masonry in Nebraska. His life exemplified those cardinal virtues of faith, hope, and charity as well as honor, justice, truth, and integrity.

On June 15th 1898, Past Grand Master and Past Governor of the State of Nebraska, Robert W. Furnas, formed a committee with Brothers Wheeler and Valentine, Past Grand Masters all, to propose a medal to be given to the oldest mason in Nebraska to perpetuate the memory of Brother Jordan who past away five months earlier. It was to be returned to the Grand Lodge upon the death of the receipent, and to be known as the Gold Jordan Medal. The first mason to be inscribed on the honor roll was Most Worshipful Robert W. Furnas.

The Ceremonial presentation adopted on June, 1949 reads:

Masonry is a builder of men, of communities, of states, of nations. It teaches, both in theory and practice, the value of individual effort, the unlimited possibilities of power in the influence of a single human being. The Grand Lodge of Nebraska is a powerful body in this state, Its influence is felt in every corner and crossroads. Its history is the history of Nebraska, and yet its story is the story of individual men who believe in its principles so strongly that they"like a tree planted by the rivers of water" brought forth their fruit in season, and like the leaves of the tree, their influence has never withered, but has grown and prospered with the years.

This article is available at the Grand Lodge Office to help us know more about our  proud heritage.  To a sandhiller who was born and raised in Wheeler County, Nebraska, these brothers names are very familiar as they are to all Nebraskans.    With these words, I cannot help but to include the words to our State Song: "BEAUTIFUL NEBRASKA ":

"Beautiful Nebraska", peaceful prairieland, laced with many rivers and the hills of sand; dark green valleys, cradled in the earth, rain and sunshine bring abundant birth. Beautiful Nebraska, as you look around, You will find a rainbow reaching to the ground. All these wonders, by the MASTER'S hand, beautiful Nebraska land. We are so proud of this state where we live, there is no place that has so much to give. Beautiful Nebraska, as you look around, You will find a rainbow reaching to the ground. All these wonders by the MASTER'S hand, beautiful Nebraska land.  

   HISTORY OF MASONRY IN AMERICA

The first Masonic Grand Lodge of record was established June 24, 1717, in England and was known as the Grand Lodge of England. They were called the “Moderns”. Prior to that time there had been numerous groups or guilds in Continental Europe and in England conferring so-called degrees of a Mystic Nature which were under numerous names or titles, but with no established administrative, authorizations or control. With the establishment of the Grand Lodge of England, it placed this authorization for the conferring of these degrees or titles, in a regular manner, under one titular head called the “Grand Master”.
 

In 1730, the Grand Lodge of Ireland was organized and likewise, in 1736, the Grand Lodge of Scotland.
 

In 1751, another Grand Lodge was established in England known as the “Ancients”. From these four Grand Lodges sprang every present possibility for “ROOTS” for all Masonic Lodges and Grand Lodges in North America .
 

The Grand Lodge of Massachusetts is an offspring of the Grand Lodge of England. In April, 1733, the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of England, Anthony Lord Viscount Montague, issued a deputation to Henry Price of Massachusetts, appointing him “Provincial Grand Master of New England and Dominions and Territories there unto belonging”. Thus it was that, on the 30th of July, 1733, at the Bunch of Grapes Tavern on King Street in Boston, Henry Price assembled ten of his Brethren and organized the Provincial Grand Lodge of Massachusetts.
 

The first lodge in Boston was organized and dated July 30, 1733. This lodge, now known as St. Johns Lodge since 1784, is regarded as the oldest regular and duly Constituted Lodge in the Western Hemisphere.
 

Under the date of May 30, 1769, the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Scotland commissioned “Most Worshipful Joseph Warren, Esq.” to be Grand Master in “Boston, New England, and within 100 miles of same”. On December 27, 1769, Brother Warren was installed in ample form as “Grand Master of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons in Boston”.
 

This latter Grand Lodge was active for 23 years when on March 19, 1792, the two Grand Lodges, “Moderns” and “Ancients” consolidated under the name “Grand Lodge of Massachusetts”.
 

It is of special note that General Joseph Warren of Revolutionary War fame was the one and only Provincial Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts appointed by the Grand Master of Scotland. Brother Warren was killed at the battle of Bunker Hill.
 

On December 30, 1767, a Provincial Grand Master was commissioned by the Grand Lodge of England and formed several Lodges which operated in North Carolina under this Commission until 1787, when the Grand Lodge of North Carolina was formed. No records are available to show a Provincial Grand Lodge ever existed, as the lodges which then operated were subject to the Grand Lodge of England. The Grand Lodge of North Carolina was chartered December 9, 1787, with Samuel Johnston as Grand Master.
 

From the Grand Lodge of North Carolina 1787, through its mother Grand Lodge of England stems the first “ROOTS” of Nebraska Lodge No. 1.
 

Successive “Roots” are established as follows:
Grand Lodge of Tennessee, 1813, chartered by Grand Lodge of North Carolina;
Grand Lodge of Missouri, 1821, chartered by Grand Lodge of Tennessee;
Grand Lodge of Illinois, 1840, chartered by Grand Lodge of Missouri;
Nebraska Lodge 184 of Illinois, 1855, chartered by Grand Lodge of Illinois;
Nebraska Lodge No. 1, 1857, chartered by the Grand Lodge of Nebraska.
 

NEBRASKA LODGES ANCIENT FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS

 GRAND MASTERS OF NEBRASKA A:.F:.& A:.M:.