|
|
|
LINCOLN CHAPTER ORDER OF DEMOLAY The Lincoln Chapter was the worlds tenth chapter to receive its charter. It received its letters temporary in May, 1920. Through December 1979, this chapter has initiated 2,857 members. The initial class of 127 members received their degrees in September 1920. The records show that the year 1921 was the most productive with 487 initiates. The charter was received in 1922. The chapter has had a record of five of its members become Grand Masters of Masons in Nebraska. Several would become Grand High Priests of the York Rite, and several would become Worthy Grand Patrons of the Order of Eastern Star of Nebraska. Seven of the active DeMolays would serve as State Master Councilors with J. L. Spray serving as State Master Councilor for 1980 - 1981 DeMolay Year. Charles Adams, a member of the initial class became Grand Master in 1954, Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Nebraska, Grand Master of the Grand Council, as well as receiving many other grand honors. Victor Anderson, also a member of the initial class, was Mayor of Lincoln and Governor of the State of Nebraska as well as a successful businessman in Havelock. Others who received many Grand Honors were: Merle Hale, Lewis R. Ricketts, Elmer McGee, and Howard Hunter. The Chapter is proud of these members for their lives exemplify the true meaning of DeMolay and the standards for which each member should try to attain. Many of the Lincoln DeMolay members have had the degree of Legion of Honor and Honorary Legion of Honor conferred upon them. These dedicated Masons have performed outstanding service to the Order of DeMolay. Seven of the State Master Councilors to 1980 were: George Fitzsimmons 1927, William Bauman - 1948 - 49, Norman Francis - 1954 - 55, Larry Reger - 1959 -60, Harry Hamilton - 1960 -61, Tom Siefkin - 1965 -66, Gary Lutman - 1967 - 68. In the history of Lincoln Chapter the members talk about "Little Leo". It became the transportation for Lincoln Chapter when not in use by Sesostris Shrine. Dad Leo Hill was the Potentate when the bus was purchased and the DeMolay boys dubbed it "Little Leo". At the 1966 Conclave, State Master Councilor, Tom Siefkin participated in the cornerstone laying of the mythical Temple of DeMolay. At the 1976 Conclave, Tom Seifkin was present for the opening of the cornerstone and review its contents. Shortly after, Tom was called to his eternal reward. J. L. Spray was elected as State Master Councilor in 1980, climaxing with Conclave in Lincoln in 1981. J. L. as aptly served the Chapter in many duties as well as being responsible for many initiates. He was also a member of a tour group who visited the localle of Jacque DeMolay. The Lincoln Chapter had many activities but none so well received as the DeMolay Band organized in 1930's by Pop Britten. Pictures of the band, dressed in band uniform indicated there were about 35 members. Brother Dale Babcock tells us the band was very active and played for many Masonic activities and said the members were very close. Winter sports activities were well attended. On the third floor of the Scottish Rite Temple were pool and ping-pong tables. These and arm wrestling and other games of skill made up the sports competition. The fall activities usually began with a back to school dance, followed by a Christmas Dance. The many Job's and Rainbow mid-winter installations are a good time to get together and celebrate following each installation. A dance at the close of the school term usually rounds out the social activities except for the Sweetheart Ball as this is the social event of the season. At intermission the Chapter Sweetheart for the coming season is crowned. Prior to the event, the chapter members submit the name of their favorite girl, the girls are interviewed and voted on by secret ballot at a regular meeting. Ballots are kept secret until the current sweetheart places the jeweled crown on the head of the lucky girl. The chapter sweetheart also becomes a candidate for the title of State Sweetheart which is crowned at the State Conclave. Other activities include helping the Job's with the sale of honey on Honey Sunday, assisting the Shrine with their annual football game by selling programs and blowing up balloons. The Chapter also assists the Salvation Army with their Christmastime bell ringing program. The annual Highway Safety Day has been a fine public service activity which puts DeMolay before the public. The election of a Chapter Sweetheart was begun at the beginning of the Second World War. The first Chapter Sweetheart to serve as State Sweetheart was Betty Jo Leadly serving for the 1941-42 year. The Chapter Sweetheart always adds charm and beauty to the Chapter's Social activities. She always takes a supportive role at installation time as well as advising the young ladies of the area on the history and purpose of DeMolay. The Mother's Club has always been supportive of the Lincoln Chapter. In 1964, the Mother's Club gave the chapter new gold robes for the Councilors and a white chaplain's robe was donated in 1967. In 1966, the Mother's Club and the Advisory Council donated new degree robes. A new crown of youth was given to the chapter by the Lincoln Court of Chevaliers in 1969. The Mother's Club currently provides sufficient monies for one chapter member to attend Leadership school. The Mother's Club also provides funds for chapter members to attend the Council of Deliberation. The Mother's Club also provides refreshments following each stated meeting as well as providing supervision and assistance for the family activities and adding a feminine touch for installation. They also maintain and clean the robes. The Chapter would not survive were it not for the guidance and support of the Mother's Club. It is hoped that in this anniversary year that the Chapter can find many of the 1930 initiates and present them with their 50 year pins. To sum up the end of the 1980 anniversary publication, it would not be complete without a word of praise for the many Master Masons who have served on the Advisory Council. These men have given freely of their time and talent so that the chapter might grow in the proper manner. They have been available to provide proper guidance when needed, counseling when required but above all providing transportation to various activities and assistance at our Round-ups and Conclaves. Our Chapter can never repay these Master Masons for the work they have done for DeMolay. We hope that many of our members will eventually become Master Masons and thus be able to serve on the future Advisory Councils. NOT GOLD, BUT ONLY MEN - CAN MAKE A NATION STRONG (The following article was edited from the 1920 to 1980 Nebraska DeMolay Sixtieth Anniversary Book.) DEMOLAY BUILDS - LEADERSHIP - CITIZENSHIP - TEAMWORK - BROTHERHOOD FOR YOUNG MEN 12 - 21. NOTES FROM LINCOLN CHAPTER FROM SCOTT DODGE ON NOVEMBER, 15TH, 2006 Hi Everyone, Meetings 2nd & 4th Wednesdays, Scottish Rite Temple, 332 S. Centennial Mall "Dad" Carl Hartman, Lincoln Chapter Advisor,
|