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PAGE UPDATES FOR MASONRY NEBRASKA BY DATE Click on Table of Contents and arrow down to
the page that you want to check. The changed pages will be listed here by date.
Usually look under
January 22nd, 2009 - American Legion Riders, February 1st, 2009 - Knights of Saint Andrew, February 2nd, 2009 - Bennett Lodge #94 March 7th, 2009 - Seabees March 31st, 2009 - Harleys, American Legion Riders April 14th, 2009 - Masonry Nebraska Index Page (Songs I Love Nebraska, Beautiful Nebraska and Nebraska Football, Sesostris Shrine, American Legion Riders.)
THE GRAND LODGE OF TEXAS Has a website whereby they have on Real Audio or Windows Media Audio or MP3 , narrated by Brother Alan Holmes, Brother Joe B. Motley, and Brother Boyd Patterson what masonry is to them and I think, as editor of Masonry Nebraska, should be heard by all Masons and others. Of course, the request for petition on the link does not apply to members of Nebraska Grand Lodge. You can apply directly to the Nebraska Grand Lodge or webmaster of Masonry Nebraska, or ask any Nebraska Mason requesting a petition. The address of the Texas Masonic Link is http://www.grandlodgeoftexas.org/between_friends Paste this address to your address bar on your browser. Masonry Nebraska wishes to thank The Grand Lodge of Texas and their members for such a fine explanation of Masonry.
Pictured are some famous Masons: President and Brother George Washington, Brother Benjamin Franklin, Brother Jose Navarro, Brother William B. Travis, Brother Sam Houston, Brother Lorenzo de Zavala, Brother Stephen Austin, President and Brother Theodore Roosevelt, Brother Charles Lindbergh, President and Brother Franklin D. Roosevelt, Brother Will Rogers, President and Brother Harry S. Truman, U.S. General and Brother Douglas S. MacArthur, Brother Norman Vincent Peale, Brother John Wayne and U.S. Lunar Astronaut and Brother Edwin E. (Buzz) Aldrin.
From Liberty Lodge #300 Past Masters Night, 2001, W.B. Daniel Foreman, Master THE ROAD OF MASONRY
MASONIC ACTIVITIES IN THE LINCOLN AND NEBRASKA AREA Because of Masonic Activities that are planned on the same date, hopefully, we will attempt to alleviate some of these problems. The following are dates that have come to light from Blue Lodges, Shrine, Scottish Rite, York Rite, Order of Eastern Star, Nile, and Youth Organizations to this editor. Please e-mail the Webmaster if you have a date that you would like to post. This from the York Area Lodges Our regular monthly Blue Lodge meeting (York Lodge #56) is the last Tuesday of every month (we don't go dark) at 7:30 pm.
Solomon Chapter 33 and Joppa Commandery
17 meet the third Monday of each month at 7:30 pm at the York Lodge.
Naomi Council 26 meets at the Geneva
Lodge at 6:30 pm for a carry-in dinner and the meeting follows at 7:30 pm. We
meet each quarter and our next meeting is Tuesday, September 20, and the one
following that on Tuesday, November 15. (Always the third Tuesday.)
HIRAM CLUB OF LINCOLN Hiram Club of Lincoln holds their Board of Governors Meeting on the Second Thursday of every month at 11:45 p.m. together with the Thursday meal at the Scottish Rite Temple in Lincoln with the meeting commencing at 12:15. The Hiram Club Ladies Night will begin on the fourth Saturday of the month in April and June at the Scottish Rite Temple at 6:00 p.m. It will be held four times thru the year. FOR THE YEAR 2006 In January, is the month when Blue Lodges and Chapters have their installations.
FOR THE YEAR 2007 Sorry to be so late in updating this calendar. Will hope to have it up shortly. Dont forget our York Rite One-Day in Hastings on Saturday 3/31/07/.
From Justin Wendt of Liberty Lodge #300
From Larry Zwart In Omaha on Monday, March 26th, 2007 Soup & Chili Supper Omaha Chapter No. 1 From Larry Zwart In Omaha on Sunday, March 25th, 2007 Reminder: Masonic Education Symposium to
be held on March 26th at Papillion Lodge at 7:00 PM. From Larry Zwart In Omaha on Wed. Nov. 29th, 2006 The next one day conferral will be sponsored by Centennial
Lodge No. 326, Philip O. Edwards, Secretary, 14830 Holmes Street, Omaha, Ne.
68137-1312, Phone: 895-3781. The conferral will be held at Scottish Rite Center,
202 South 20th Street (20th & Douglas Streets - South West Corner) in Downtown
Omaha, Saturday January 27, 2007 at 8:00 AM. From Larry Zwart from Omaha, Monday July 17th, 2006 The next one day conferral will be sponsored by Nebraska
Lodge No. 1, One-Day Blue Lodge Degree Conferral October 28, 2006 - Sponsored by Nebraska Lodge No. 1 Scottish Rite Center, 202 South 20th Street (20th & Douglas Streets - South West Corner) in Downtown Omaha 7:15 AM Registration to 8:00 AM Candidates must be present at 8:00 AM 8:00 AM Open Entered Apprentice Lodge 8:20 AM Necessary & Constitutional Questions 8:25 AM Preparatory Address 8:30 AM Entered Apprentice Degree 9:15 AM Working Tools 9:20 AM Lecture 1 - Questions and Answers 9:25 AM Lecture 2 9:35 AM Lecture 3 9:45 AM Charge 10:00 AM Close EA (10:00-10:25 candidates are given instruction) 10:05 AM Open Fellow Craft Lodge 10:30 AM Entered Apprentice examination of all candidates 10:35 AM Fellow Craft Degree 11:20 AM Lecture 1 - Middle Chamber Lecture 11:40 AM Letter G 11:45 AM Lecture 2 - Questions and Answers 11:50 AM Charge 12:05 PM Close Fellow Craft 12:00 NN Lunch (12:30-12:50 candidates are given instruction) 12:35 PM Open Master Mason Lodge 12:55 PM Fellow Craft examination of all candidates 1:00 PM Master Mason Degree First Section 1:40 PM Master Mason Degree Second Section 2:25 PM Lecture 1 - Questions and Answers 2:35 PM Lecture 2 2:45 PM Lecture 3 3:05 PM Charge 3:10 PM Break (3:10-3:35) candidates are given instruction) 3:40 PM Proficiency examination 3:50 PM Introductions, remarks, closing comments, etc. 4:00 PM Close Lodge From Larry Zwart from Omaha, 6- 28-2005 Springfield Lodge No. 112 is the sponsor of the One Day Masonic
Lodge to For a complete rundown of all Greater Omaha Tri-county Events compiled by First Lodge, copy and paste this in your browser address; http://www.firstlodge.com/MASONIC-ACTIVITIES.html My God is Love One of the most inspiring songs that was written by United States Senator Orrin Hatch is the following song whose music was written by Janice Kopp Perry. It will be necessary to go to Orrin Hatch's website www.hatchmusic.com to download a copy of RealPlayer 8 Basic Free Edition to hear this very beautiful song. The address is: mygod(1).ra. To return to the theme music for this page go back or forward and return to the page. To clarify the words that must be understood, here they are: My God is Love Words by Orrin G. Hatch, Music by Janice Kapp Perry, Choir Soloist Tammy Robinson
On Membership This e-mail came to me by Shriners 2000. It was written by a young Noble from Karem Shrine and it made a lot of sense to me and I quote: I don't really know how to start this email. It may be a little long so please bare with me. I have been reading all the emails lately and have only this to offer. We are members of this group to promote membership and exchange ideas on how to accomplish membership gains in our respective temples.
Thanks for listening,
Freemasonry is the World's largest and oldest fraternal organization. Masonry evolved from the guilds of the ancient cathedral/temple builders and stands today as a fraternity promoting brotherly love (for all mankind), relief (for the distressed and destitute), and truth (in our dealings with others) and a higher moral respect and understanding of all mankind. Masonry teaches through allegory and symbolism of the ancient operative guilds the importance of integrity and fidelity. Masonry is not a religion, but requires a belief in a supreme being, the Master Architect of the Universe, who guides us by Divine will. Masons believe, and have a respect for all things created, patriotism, benevolence, and a temperance for the beliefs and free opinion of others. Masons view the entire human species as one family, and under one supreme being. All Masons view themselves equal to each other and on the level with all other Masons regardless of social or political status. Masonry regards no man for the clothes he wears, the house in which he lives, the kind of car he drives, or the other luxuries he owns or uses. All Masons are equal to each other in the Lodge Room, and are clothed in the same manner. The apron is the only apparel we see. Masons stand before God equal to one another, and the apron is the sign of equality. From the writings of our Illustrious Brother Albert Pike comes this: The "secrets" in Masonry are personal insights. They are secret not because we are pledged to conceal them, but because they cannot be truly communicated from one person to another. In other words, we have to experience and learn from the degrees and apply them to our own personal thoughts. Therefore, the secrets have been revealed to us in this manner and we have gained further light. This takes ALL of the bodies of Freemasonry to communicate this light. We also learn from the writings of our Past Masters as well as their actions, for they are as true today as they were in the times that they lived. It is for each individual Mason to discover the secret of Freemasonry. WHO ARE THE MASONS? The largest fraternal organization in the world works to build brotherhood, and moral character The following is an article written for the Lincoln Journal Star Newspaper on Saturday, March 13th, 2004 by the Lincoln Journal Star Reporter Mr. Bob Reeves. He interviewed Dr. James F. Brown Jr. a professor of accounting at University of Nebraska - Lincoln and Past Grand Master of Masons of Nebraska, John Parsons, Grand Historian of the Grand Lodge of Nebraska, Mr. James Foote of the Lincoln Lending Group, Kent I. Hemmerling, Worshipful Master of Lancaster Lodge #54, Lincoln, Nebraska and Les Seiler, an attorney in Hastings, and the present Grand Master of Masons of Nebraska. The article is quite long but very well written and it is quoted in its entirety: One of the most highly skilled crafts in the middle ages was that of the stone masons, who traveled from place to place building castles and cathedrals. The stonemasons formed guilds, akin to trade unions to assure that everyone calling himself a mason was properly trained and qualified. They were called freemasons, because unlike serfs tied to the land, they were free to move from job to job. While working on a job, they lived in buildings called lodges. To be admitted to a lodge, freemasons demonstrated their membership in the guild by secret handshakes and passwords. Masons were also known by the leather aprons that they wore to protect themselves from rough stones and tools. These practical aspects of the masons craft have carried over into the modern organization known as Freemasonry or just Masonry. The lodges, aprons, secret grips and passwords continue. But, rather than building edifices of stone, today's Masons focus on building brotherhood and moral character. Today, the Masons are the largest fraternal organization in the world, with some six million members on all continents. But Masons have also been the subject of controversy, misunderstandings, and even violence. The popular novel "The DaVinci Code" by Dan Brown draws links between the Masons and secret societies that supposedly have passed down beliefs and practices considered heretical by the Roman Catholic Church. Lately, there were news stories about violence involving Masons. In Istanbul, two suicide bombers stormed a Masonic Lodge, killing one person and wounding five. That same day, it was reported that a man was fatally shot at a Masonic Lodge in Patchogue, New York when a gun went off during an initiation ceremony. A Masonic leader said that guns are not part of any officially sanctioned Masonic ceremony. The organization known as Ancient, Free, and Accepted Masons traces its origins to 1717 in England, when four Masonic lodges joined together to form a grand lodge, explained John Parsons. Within a few decades, it had grown to a significant organization that included members of British society, he said. It also spread rapidly to the European Continent and American Colonies, where it became an influential force in building a new nation. Masonry continued to grow during the 19th & 20th centuries, becoming a popular organization for business and professional men worldwide. It has grown largely because of its emphasis on character building and good will said James F. Brown Jr. "What I really like about the organization is this: Its an organization where you have men of high integrity," he said. "They constantly try to improve themselves. They are men who are very moral." But, he admits that the Masons are something of a mystery to outsiders, who wonder about the rituals they perform and the strange symbols that they use. One of the chief mistakes about Masonry is made by those who call it a "secret society" , he said. "There is nothing secret, except the handshakes, and the passwords, which are like any other fraternal organizations," he said. The so-called Blue Lodges, which are the entry points into Masonry, are open to men of all faiths and backgrounds, he said. "Masonry isn't a religion and we do not ask a persons religion. We only ask if they believe in a supreme being." New members must be voted into a lodge, but it is not supposed to be a matter of money, prestige, or family background, Brown said. "Race, creed, color, none of that matters to a Mason." Once joining the Masons, a man progresses through three "degrees" called Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason. At each level, he goes through an exercise like a drama in which lodge members play parts, teaching him valuable lessons. He is also given reading material and a small amount of memory work and has to answer a series of questions before moving to the next level. At one time it took at least three months - sometimes more than a year - to advance through the three degrees, but now most candidates do it in three weeks. "The Masonic Degrees teach the great lessons of life - the importance of honor and integrity, of being a person on whom others can rely, of being both trusting and trustworthy, of realizing that you have a spiritual nature as well as a physical or animal nature, of the importance of self control, of knowing how to love and be loved, of knowing how to keep confidential what others tell you so they can "open up" without fear," according to a pamphlet entitled "What's a Mason?" The "degree work" and other meetings take place in the main meeting room of the lodge, which looks something like England's House of Commons. Benches line the sides of the room, with the alter in the middle on which an open Bible is placed with a brass square and compass, the main symbols of Masonry, lying on it. "The compass draws a circle, which means circumscribing your desires ," Brown said. "The square means to square your action by the square of your virtue." In most American lodges, the Christian Bible is used, but it could be the Jewish Torah, the Quran, or a holy book of Hinduism, Buddhism or other faith, Brown said. The Bible isn't read or recited in the rituals, but sometimes men are asked to place a hand on it when taking an oath. Masons have been criticized for requiring "blood oaths," but any such references are merely traditional carryovers from the early days of Masonry and have only symbolic significance, Brown said. At the East end of the room is a raised platform where the highest ranking officer of the lodge , the worshipful master sits. On the wall above is a framed letter "G" which is interpreted to stand for both God and geometry, the later referring not only to mathematics but to an orderly and well balanced life. Participants generally wear suits and ties, but all wear white aprons symbolizing purity. "The idea is to keep your life spotless," Brown said. Lodge officers' aprons are adorned with special symbols, and they also wear ornate chains with a pendent known as jewels, identifying their office. Masons move up through the offices, giving men an opportunity to learn different skills. "For me it's a personal leadership development program." said member James Foote. Although the organization formerly began in England, some Masons trace its origins to the architect of King Solomon's Temple. Masons also draw a connection with the Knights Templar, an order formed in 1118 during the Crusades. Many of the leaders of the French Revolution were Masons, Parsons said. In America, at least a third of the founding fathers - signers of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, and the members of the Continental Army - were Masons, including Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, John Hancock, Paul Revere, and General Lafayette, as well as Benedict Arnold. There is evidence that the Boston Tea Party was hatched at a Masonic lodge in Boston. Many principals of Masonry such as "all men are created equal" are expressed in our founding documents. After Washington became president, he performed a Masonic ceremony to lay the cornerstone of the U.S. Capitol. Composers Mozart and Liszt were Masons, as were Goethe and Rudyard Kipling. A number of other U.S. Presidents were Masons, including Theodore Roosevelt and Harry Truman. Today, there are about 13,200 Masonic lodges nationwide. There are 159 lodges in Nebraska, with more than 17,000 members. Despite the widespread nature of Masonry, many outside the organization still see it as something mysterious or even evil. A number of Christian denominations have opposed Masonry over the years. Some objected to the taking of oaths while others feared that the rituals represented a rival religion. In 1738, Pope Clement xii ordered the excommunication of all Catholics who had joined Freemasonry, and for more than two centuries the church specifically forbade membership in Masonic organizations. In l983, the Vatican issued a new code of cannon law which omitted the specific reference to Masons, leading some to conclude that the ban had been lifted. However, subsequent statements from the Vatican made it clear the even though they were not referred to by name, the principals of Masonry were still incompatible with church teachings. Some of the objections included the alleged secrecy of the organization and relative in regard to matters of faith. In 1996, Bishop Fabian Bruskewitz of the Lincoln Roman Catholic Diocese gained national attention when he said local Catholics would be excommunicated if they joined any of a dozen prohibited organizations, including the Masons and Masonic-affiliated organizations. That prohibition still stands, said father Mark Huber, chancellor for the Diocese. Nevertheless, Brown said he knows a number of Catholics who are Masons and apparently sees no conflict. With the popularity of the "DaVinci Code," public interest has grown in the Masons, Knights Templars and secret societies in general. However, Foote said, he believes most Masons" would be just as shocked by 'The DaVinci Code' as anybody else." In fact, he said, most American Masons are members of churches and follow the traditional teachings of Christianity. Masons never officially excluded anyone because of race, but in fact the lodges reflected the segregation of American Society, Parsons said. A parallel black organization is Prince Hall Masons. Fifteen years ago the Nebraska Grand Lodge was one of the first in the country to recognize Prince Hall Masons, who are now recognized in about half of the states. Once a man is a Master Mason, he then may join any of the three other Masonic organizations: the York Rite, Scottish Rite Masons, or the Shrine (Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.) Other groups are Eastern Star, a Masonic organization for women, Job's Daughters, for girls who have a father or other relative who is a Mason; and the Order of DeMolay, for boys and Rainbow Girls, neither of which require a Masonic connection. The Order of DeMolay takes its name from Jacques DeMolay, the last grand master of the Knights Templar, who was burned at the stake in 1314. All Masonic organizations are involved in charitable and service projects. The Shriners operate the children's hospitals which provide medical care to children. Scottish Rite Lodges sponsor clinics for children with speech impairments, and York Rite Lodges support free eye care. Job's Daughters support an endowment that provides free hearing aids to needy kids. The Blue Lodges in Nebraska sponsor the Masonic Band Camp each summer for high school musicians from across the state. Lodge #54 gives scholarships to non-traditional students at Southeast Community College and provide food for the annual Shrine Bowl, said Kent I. Hemmerling, current worshipful master of that lodge. The lodge also plans to work with Matt Talbot Kitchen to feed the hungry. Many local Masons said they joined the Masons because their father or grandfather was a Mason. Brown, who grew up in Tennessee, said his father was a Mason but never invited his son to join, following a tradition that forbids Masons to solicit members. Les Seiler, an attorney in Hastings, and current Grand Master of Masons of Nebraska, noted that Masonic organizations have been suffering from declining memberships as has been the case with other fraternal organizations nationwide. Nebraska Masons no longer have a prohibition on solicitation, which has kept the membership decline to 2 percent per year compared with 5 percent or more in states where recruiting is prohibited. Seiler hopes to turn that around this year with a statewide campaign. Many younger men are joining the Masons today because they want to network with older men, he said. The youngest member of Lodge #54 is Blair Talley, 18, a student at Doane College, Crete. Before becoming a Master Mason in January, he was a member of DeMolay, an experience which he said " made me a better leader and a more well rounded person." Masons have fun, fellowship and do service projects, but the bottom line is building character, several members said. "What brings us all together is a desire for seeking a moral way of living." Masons are Visible Masonic activities are publicly visible in many ways. At the funeral of a Mason, members of his lodge perform a ceremony wearing their aprons & jewels, and using symbolic tools such as a trowel, rule & square. Masons are often called on to perform cornerstone ceremonies at new buildings, following the same ritual George Washington used to lay the cornerstone of the U.S.Capitol in 1773. Last year, Masons helped lay 12 cornerstones for public for public organizations such as churches, schools, libraries, and hospitals in Nebraska. The state headquarters for the Masons is the Grand Lodge, located at 1240 North 10th Street in Lincoln, Nebraska. It has informational brochures about the Masons, a library and museum with Masonic memorabilia and records, since Masonry came to Nebraska in 1857. There are 11 Masonic Lodges in Lincoln, including three that meet at the Masonic Temple at 1635 L Street in Lincoln. Shrine activities are centered at Sesostris Shrine Center, 1717 Yolande Ave. Shriners sponsor the Annual Shrine Circus in March, and the Shrine Bowl and Parade on July 24th, 2004. Job's Daughters sponsored a special concert in March to raise money for Hike (Hearing Impaired Kids' Endowment.) The musical group "Cross Rhythm" performed at Saint Mark's United Methodist Church. For more information about the Masons, check www.msana.com the Website of the Masonic Service Association of America. That all Masons may know what other brethren and sisters of our Masonic Society may think and believe, the following account of Masonic History comes from a Website of Prince Hall Masons in Gainesville, Florida. The website address is as follows: www.angelfire.com/in4/eastwardboundfl/ What is a Mason? He is a man who in his heart has been duly and truly prepared, has been found worthy and well qualified, has been admitted to the fraternity of builders and travel in foreign lands in search of that which was lost. A Word. "In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God." (John 1:1) Here then is the eternal paradox. The Word is lost, yet it is forever with us. The light that illuminates the distant horizon shines in our hearts. "Thou would'st not seek me hadst thou not found me." "That which we seek lives in our souls." We travel afar only to find that which we hunger for at home. Freemasonry, is not a religion, but it is essentially religious. Most of its legends are of a sacred nature; much of it is woven into the structure of Christianity. A religion is a divinely inspired code of morals. A religious person is one inspired to living by this code. He is identified by the code, which is his source of illumination. Each religion that seek to unfold and preserve that invisible spark in man named SPIRIT, are said to be spiritual. That which gives man a knowledge of himself can be inspired only by the Self and God is the Self in all things. In truth, He is the inspiration and the thing inspired. It has been stated in scripture that God was the Word and that the Word was made flesh. Man's task now is to make flesh reflect the glory of that Word, which is within the soul of himself. It is this task which has created the need of religion, not one faith alone but many creeds, each searching in its own way, each meeting the needs of individual people, each emphasizing one point above all the others. Most of the religions of the world are like processions: some lead and many follow. Man follows in his search for truth and illumination. The Christian follows the gentle Nazarene up the winding slopes of Calvary. The Buddhist follows his great emancipator through his wanderings in the wilderness. The Muslim makes his pilgrimage across the desert sands to the black tent at Mecca. Many travel in confusion to enter their own sanctuary to find Truth and light. Man is climbing an endless flight of steps, with his eyes fixed upon the goal at the top. Many cannot see the goal, and only one or two steps are visible before them. He has learned, however, one great lesson, namely, that as he builds his own character he is given strength to climb the steps. Hence a Mason is a builder of the temple of character. He realizes that he best serves God when he joins with the Great Architect in building more noble structures in the universe below. All who are attempting to attain mastery through constructive efforts are Masons at heart, regardless of religious sect or belief. The Masonic brother pledges himself to assist all other temple-builders in whatever endeavors he may choose. Freemasonry is a philosophy, which is essentially creedless. It is the truer for it. Its brothers bow to truth regardless of the bearer; they serve light, instead of wrangling over the one who brings it. In this way they prove that they are seeking to know better the will and the dictates of the Invincible One. The Legendary Period According to the legends contained in the rituals of Freemasonry, the origins of the Masonic fraternity date from the construction of the Temple of King Solomon, as described in the Bible The undertaking was so vast that a new form of organization was required to ensure that the Temple was completed in a timely and correct fashion, and this led to the development of organization of the stonemasons and architects into various grades and classes with responsibilities as described in the rituals. Many of the characters mentioned in the books of Kings and Chronicles in the Hebrew Scriptures are encountered in the context of various degrees of Masonry; they include King Solomon himself, Hiram (King of Tyre, who supplied many of the materials, especially cedar wood, used to construct the temple), Hiram Abiff, and others. Some of the degrees of the Scottish Rite and other now-defunct degrees date to even earlier periods and other cultures, such as the times of the Israelites' wanderings in the wilderness (Book of Numbers) and the mythologies of the Ancient Egyptians, as well as the immediate postdiluvian period of the sons of Noah. Although some Masonic brothers may take the ritual to be historical truth, there are no true Masonic authorities who give any credence to an actual organization of Masons in ancient times. What is known is that there were fraternal organizations of the ancient world, both among the pagans and among the Hebrews. In the former case, the organizations were generally connected with the so called mysteries, of which the Eleusinian Mysteries were among the best known. The most prominent example of the latter is the group known as the Pharisees. The Mysteries had rites of initiation, division into lesser and greater mysteries, with trials to be passed before receiving knowledge, and secrets to be concealed. The secrets of these Mysteries were kept well enough that later ages can only guess at what some of them were. It is possible that knowledge of the nature of the Mysteries was in the hands of the founders of the Masonic order and gave form to some of the present-day structure of Masonry The Pharisees did not have concealed knowledge, but they did have limitations on membership and addressed one another as "chaver" cha VER), analogous to the usage of Brother or Companion in today's Freemasonry. New members were also required to take an oath to obey the Commandments and the Law in the presence of three members. The Pharisees are viewed quite different by adherents to Judaism than by Christians; to the latter the term "Pharisee" is given an extremely negative connotation, nearly synonymous with hypocrite. To the Jew, the Pharisaic structure is essentially that which constitutes Judaism of the past 2000 years; the Pharisees were seen as the group that prevented the religion from becoming extinct with the final destruction of the Temple at Jerusalem. A full exploration of the historical circumstances for this divergence of opinion is beyond the scope of this document. However, some knowledge of Pharisaic practices may have been available to the founders of Masonry; it is also possible that there is only one really effective way to organize a fraternity, and that that way has been persistently and independently discovered repeatedly. The Mediaeval Period The generally accepted origin of Freemasonry, until recently, has been in the stonemason's guilds of the Middle Ages. The tern "free" in Freemason indicated that the Mason was not bound to the land as a serf, or otherwise restricted as in villeinage or socage, but was free to travel about the country, as was necessary for one whose trade might require construction in many different locations. This was remarkable in an age when almost no one traveled more than twenty miles from his home during his entire lifetime Masons in the Middle Ages constructed many edifices, but particular attention has always focused on the great cathedrals built during that period. In order to construct such marvels, it was necessary to have considerable education in the principles of geometry, arithmetic, and engineering, and the guild of stonemasons, including the architects, became one of the few repositories of learning outside the clergy. As the wave of cathedral building ebbed and the Renaissance began, it is supposed that the Freemasons of the time sought to maintain their organizations by accepting into membership for discussion of the philosophical and other knowledge of the Lodge, certain gentlemen and members of the upper classes who were not actual workers in stone. It is this process of acceptance, along with the original freedom, that the term "Free and Accepted Masons" comes from. These lodges are then supposed to have evolved into the modern, purely philosophical (or "speculative," as the Masonic term has it) Lodges. However, two other theories of the mediaeval origin of Freemasonry have recently been advanced. One, whose best known advocate was the late John Robinson (author of Born in Blood), suggests that the Masons were descendants of the Knights Templar. The Templars were a powerful and wealthy order of knights during the Crusades who were suppressed by the King of France and the Pope during the early 14th century. Many Templars were put to death, but some survived. Some of the Masonic degrees and orders deal with these events. It is hypothesized that the former Templars preserved their fraternity by disguising it in the form of Freemasonry. An even more recent theory traces the origin of Masonry not to the stonemason guilds, most of which appear to have simply ceased to exist, rather than converting into speculative lodges, but to persecuted Catholics of the conflict that raged in England during much of the 17th century. Cyril Batham, of the famous Quatuor Coronati Research Lodge in England, suggests that these individuals founded Lodges as a way to preserve their contacts while hiding from the Anglicans during the various Jacobite upheavals. The lengthy hostility of the Catholic Church to Freemasonry would appear to cast doubt upon this thesis, but Batham's reputation is so prodigious that his work deserves serious consideration. The Modern Period In Europe The modern period of Freemasonry dates from the founding of the first Grand Lodge on St. John's Day, 1717, in London. Four "old lodges" gathered together at the Goose and Gridiron Ale House and organized the first Grand Lodge. The time was ripe for an institution of free-thinkers such as Masonry to spread in the Western world. The Enlightenment was beginning on the Continent, while England itself was still in transition to a more liberal state, having cast off the "divine-right" concept of monarchy with James II only a few years previously; the insurrection of "The 15" was just past, with that of "the 45" yet to come. The organizations of Masonry spread rapidly from England to the Continent, particularly to France, Austria-Hungary, and the Germanic states. Shortly, lodges would be organized in the New World as well. Rival English Grand Lodges The first Grand Lodge in England was soon to be challenged by a rival organization. Some authors have termed this a schism, but other recent scholarship claims that the rival Grand Lodge originated from Lodges in other parts of the British Isles, notably Ireland. Whatever the case, the new organization sought to attract members by claiming greater authenticity through the use of the term "Antient" as part of their name. The Antient (or Ancient) Masons were also known as "Athol" Masons, from the Duke of Athol being one of their early Grand Masters. Lodges in the New World The Ancient and Modern Lodges in England were eventually merged into one organization, the United Grand Lodge of England, in 1813. By this time, however, both groups of Masons had been chartering lodges in the New World. This fact accounts for the great diversity of ritual content among the states in America, although the precise nature of the ritual cannot be determined by examining whether a particular Grand Lodge styles itself as "Ancient Free and Accepted Masons" or merely "Free and Accepted Masons." There is considerable disagreement among scholars as to what the various origins are, in fact, but it appears to this author that the "Ancient" ritual is considerably briefer than the "Modern" version; the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania probably has what is closest to the pure Ancient ritual in use, while a number of states near and along the northern border of the US (e.g., Connecticut, Minnesota, Wisconsin) seem to have the most lengthy form of ritual A significant difference among states is whether the ritual is kept unwritten or whether a cipher of the ritual is permitted to be used; the presence of a cipher indicates influence by the Modern organization, although recent changes in the introduction of ciphers in some jurisdictions have undermined this particular distinction. (Note that some parts of the ritual, termed the monitorial or exoteric work, have always been permitted to be printed.) Lodges in the U.S. The first Lodges in the US were chartered directly by Lodges or Grand Lodges in Britain; after awhile, however, Lodges in the colonies would issue warrants to form new Lodges themselves and eventually organized their own (Provincial, during the colonial period, but independent later on) Grand Lodges. The first truly independent Grand Lodge in America was organized by four Lodges meeting in Virginia. As each had been chartered by a different Grand Lodge in other states, the resulting ritual was a mixture of that in use in the other states. At the present time (1995), there is a Grand Lodge for each of the 50 states, as well as one for the District of Columbia. That is a fairly recent development; until just a few years ago, the Grand Lodge of California had jurisdiction over the Lodges in Hawaii. The Grand Lodges in the United States observed a custom of exclusive geographic jurisdiction (with some few exceptions In Alaska); no Grand Lodge may charter Lodges in the territory of another Grand Lodge. This custom does not prevail in other parts of the world. Masonry in Latin America Masonry also reached Latin America during the late 18th and early 19th century, despite opposition from conservative political and religious elements. Their opposition was probably well founded, as a number of the liberators of South America (e.g., Simon Bolivar) were Freemasons. Later American Masonic History Masonry played a considerable role in early American history. Many of the Founding Fathers were Masons (about 1/3 of the signers of the Declaration of Independence and a like proportion of those attending the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787 were Masons), including Franklin and Washington. The tale that a Lodge meeting was held and adjourned to organize the Boston Tea Party, however, is entirely apocryphal. It is probable that some of those who dressed as Indians and dumped tea overboard into the Boston Harbor were Masons, but the Lodge itself was not used to program the event. There are tales of British troops carefully taking over American Masonic property during the Revolutionary War and turning it over to proper Masonic authorities under a flag of truce. Masonry in America experienced a considerable setback during the 1820's, when a period of Anti-Masonic sentiment reached such a level as to have a candidate run for President on a platform of opposition to the Lodge. During that period, many Masonic bodies turned in their charters and ceased to exist. The uproar stemmed from a fraudulent claim that Masons had executed a turncoat brother in New York for exposing the secrets of the Lodge. Like the Know-nothings and anti-Catholic fever of a few years later, the fanaticism passed from the scene, but it was some time before Masonic bodies returned to their former prominence. During the American Civil War, Masons fought on both sides, but there are many tales of battlefield kindness rendered to a Brother found wearing a uniform of the other color, as well as stories of prisoners of war allowed to attend Lodge on parole, or Masonic funerals conducted for a fallen enemy soldier. Masonry played an important role in the social life of a significant number of Americans throughout the later 19th and early 2Oth centuries Most prominent members of society were also members of the Lodge, and often, Lodge events were the lion's share of what constituted entertainment in many small towns. Other fraternal organizations arose to compete with the Masons, such as the Grange, the Elks, the Moose, and the Odd Fellows. Masonic charity supported many through hard times, long before the invention of the social safety net in the 1930s. Membership in the Masonic fraternity reached a peak in the late 1950s and has been declining since that time. Similar phenomena have affected other fraternal organizations, as well as business clubs, churches, and the like. There are a member of explanations advanced for this decline, such as the rise of mass forms of entertainment available in the home, the greater demands of the work and commuting environment, and so on. No one has a certain answer of how the decline may be reversed, but it seems that the prominent role that the Lodge played in the social structure of many towns and urban areas is not likely to be seen again until the overall social structure of the United States changes back to a more outward orientation. Surveys currently show that many American men are simply unaware of the existence of the Masonic fraternity but might he interested in joining an organization of its description; fifty or more years ago, there was virtually no one unaware of the nature of the Lodge. African-American Freemasonry Prince Hall is recognized as the Father of Black Masonry in the United States. He made it possible for us to be recognized and enjoy all the privileges of free and accepted masonry. Many rumors of the birth of Prince Hall have arisen. Few records and papers have been found of him either in Barbados where it was rumored he was born, but no record of birth, by church, or state has been found there, and none in Boston. One wildly circulated rumor states that "Prince Hall was free born in the British West Indies. His Father, Thomas Prince Hall was an Englishman and his mother a free colored woman of French extraction. In 1765 he worked his passage on a ship to Boston, where he worked as a leather worker, a trade learned from his father. Eight year later he became a minister in the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME) with a charge in Cambridge, "This account paraphrased from the widely discredit Grimshaw book of 1903, is suspect in many areas. Black Freemasonry began when Prince Hall and fourteen other free Black men were initiated into Lodge No.441, Irish Constitution, attached to the 38th Regiment of Foot, British Army Garrisoned at Castle Williams (now Fort Independence) Boston Harbor on March 1775. The Master of the Lodge was Sergeant John Batt. Along with Prince Hall, the other newly made masons were Cyrus Johnson, Bueston Slinger, Prince Rees, John Canton, Peter Freeman, Benjamin Tiler, Duff Ruformm, Thomas Santerson, Prince Rayden, Cato Speain, Boston Smith, Peter Best, Forten Howard and Richard Titley. When the British Army left Boston, this Lodge No.441 granted Prince Hall and his brethren authority to meet as a lodge, to go in procession on St. Johns Day and as a Lodge to bury their dead; but they could not confer degrees nor perform any other Masonic "work ". Nine years these brethren enjoyed their limited privileges as Masons. Finally in March 1784 Prince Hall petitioned the Grand Lodge of England, through a Worshipful Master of a subordinate Lodge in London (William Moody of Brotherly Love Lodge No.55) for a warrant or charter. The Warrant to African Lodge No 1 of Boston is the most significant and highly prize document known to the Prince Hall Masonic Fraternity. Through it our legitimacy is traced, and on it our case rests. It was granted on September 29 1784 delivered to Boston on April 29, 1787 by Captain James Scott, brother-in-law of John Hancock. International Free and Accepted Masons and Order of the Eastern Star was first Incorporated as a religious fraternity in 1950 by our founder the Rev. Dr. William V. Banks, and today is the largest international Masonic fraternity known in the country. There are over 1 million members and their families making up our total membership. International Masons is a professional fraternal order. Its first purpose is to guide new members in carrying out an obligation of self-discipline, to become better members of society. To provide an educational program to impart the latest proceedings and moral practices, and foster such knowledge, understanding, and unity as well as afford you the greatest help and protection while you are carrying out the part of a leader of your society. International Masons provide the millions of dollars in capital to construct the 1st Black owned Television and Radio station in the city of Detroit. International Masons have operated a school to train leadership among our people throughout the country. End.
Most Worshipful Brother Duke Lichty,Sovereign Grand Inspector General, Lincoln Valley, Orient of Nebraska "Freemasons: Who are we, What are we, and Where are we headed?" Since the vote of the Imperial Council of the Shrine of North America on July 5th,2000, removing the requirement that a Mason must be a member of either the Scottish or York Rite of Freemasonry in order to be eligible to petition the Shrine, the foregoing questions have been asked of me over and over again. I have discussed this with leaders of the Symbolic Masonry, the York Rite, the Scottish Rite and the Shrine. The answer is unique to Nebraska Freemasons. It depends on who we are, what we are, and where we came from. Remember, Shriners are still Masons. In Nebraska, we have all cooperated closely. Lodge Officers usually wear the scimitar and crescent on their lapel, and active members of the Scottish Rite and York Rite often are among the leading petition signers for the Shrine. To paraphrase Pogo, "We have met our friends, and they are us." We do not forget that Shrine Masons are still a part of Freemasonry! From all across the great State of Nebraska, Shrine leaders have told me that they are still Masons, still Scottish Rite Masons, still York Rite Masons, and that they will continue to encourage Masons to join the Scottish Rite and York Rite. They have assured me that they will keep their Scottish Rite and York Rite memberships, and that they will continue to work for the good of the Rites. In turn, I have assured them that I am still a Shriner, and I will continue to work for the good of the Shrine, as well for all Masonry. Who are we? We are all Masonic Brothers! What are we? We are good men who strive to become better than we are, and to make this world a better place to live for all people. Where are we headed? It is my hope that by exerting ourselves and working in the quarries for the greater good of all who need our help, we can make all of the bodies and branches of Freemasonry healthy, alive, and a force for good in our Cities, our States, and our Nation, and still have fun and fraternity. We need to find more ways to help our fellow men, to be useful and to increase knowledge in our communities. There are enough foes of Masonry out there, with their bigoted, un-Christian attitude toward us. Therefore it continues to be necessary for all branches of Freemasonry to cooperate and work together to make this world a better place for all. In the face of the enemies of Freemasonry, let us never forget the words of our Most Worshipful Brother, Benjamin Franklin to his fellow signers of the Declaration of Independence: "We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately." In Nebraska, we are all Freemasons. We all need to cooperate. Let us never forget the lesson of the trowel and always use it to spread the cement of Brotherly love and affection among all Masons, including Shriners and members of the Rites. Yours in Brotherhood, Duke Lichty
Views on Freemasonry by a Master Mason who is the Editor of this Web Site We learn Masonry is a progressive science and as we advance in knowledge our obligations to ourselves and to our brethren increase. Therefore, my brethren, I will try to explain my personal thoughts to you concerning our beloved craft. To me, Masonry is not a clandestine craft. We have a few secrets but they are only meant for the purpose of recognizing one Mason to another Mason or for the purpose of teaching our craft. We learn from reading newspapers of the time when our craft was being formed in Nebraska that doings of the craft was printed daily. Masons and their thoughts were respected and they had much to do with forming our State and our Government. Masons were expected to lead because of what our craft teaches. We are now entering into a world who is the best informed society ever through the medium of cyberspace and the computer. Let us not turn our back on such a medium. Some people ask; What is the purpose of our craft? I believe that through our craft we help to make our world a better place to live by promoting respect for all things created by God, patriotism, and a respect for and belief of others. To some of our brothers who think we are giving away Masonic secrets through websites such as this, please give this some thought. How do we expect to accomplish the work of the craft if we keep it all within ourselves? We are extremely fortunate to be living in such a country that we have freedom of worship, freedom of speech, and other freedoms that we enjoy. These thoughts came from masons like us when our country was being formed. Yes, we can help others by showing how we look and think but we constantly have to keep improving ourselves. We all should be very proud of belonging to such a group. Most of the content of this website has been published previously, either in the Masonic News or from other Masonic Publications. The personal thoughts expressed are those that are signed by the recipients. This editor does not condone nor does this site have any commercial content of any kind. Nor is it this sites intent to put one person above the other. In it, we publish the doings of the lodge mostly for our members who are spread out over the world. The Lodge feels there is nothing on that page that can not be communicated to any reader. The content of the other pages are from public openings or other public ceremonies. In fine, my brother Masons, to help us grow and mature as a craft, we have to work in our craft and spread the cement of brotherly love, relief, and truth not only to ourselves but to our neighbors wherever dispersed. Sincerely and Fraternally, Roger W. Miner
A quick Overview of Freemasonry for those Masons and others who would like to be more informed. If there is one thing most people are sure they know, it's that Masons are never supposed to talk about Masonry.
Then why hasn't anyone ever asked me to join? People have asked me to join Rotary, Lions, and other clubs.
What goes on in a Masonic Meeting?
What's the initiation like?
I've heard that Masonry is a religion. Is it? Can a man be a Mason and a Christian at the same time?
Are there any churches or religions whose members you won't accept as Masons?
What about those "Secret Vows" I hear so much about?
Why don't you let women join?
Just what is a "Lodge?" What does it look like? Who runs it?
If that is the Lodge, what is the "Grand Lodge?"
Just what do Masons do?
How does a man become a Mason?
THIS FROM THE GLOBAL FRATERNAL NETWORK WEBSITE
FROM ANDREAS ACCOUNTS WRITTEN IN 1882 COMES THIS FROM LINCOLN Masonic.--There are four chapters of this order in Lincoln. They have an elegant and commodious hall on the corner of O and Tenth streets, over the First National Bank. It is handsomely furnished after the order of this society, adjoining which is their "Banqueting Hall," which is well supplied with all the necessities of such an apartment, having a kitchen with all its utensils, dishes, tables, chairs, etc. Lincoln Lodge No. 19, A., F. & A. M. This lodge was organized in 1868, and has at present about 150 members and is in a very flourishing condition. The officers at present are A. L. Palmer, W. M.; Lee P. Gellette, S. W.; O. W. Littler, J. W.; C. M. Leighton, Treasurer; L. B. Freeman, Secretary; E. O. Miller, S. D.; E. H. Salsbury, J. D. and John McClellan, Tiler. Lancaster Lodge, No. 54, A., F. & A. M., was organized in 1874, and has at present a strong membership. Officers, C. H. Willard, W. M.; C. B. Palmer, S. W.; L. M. Hubert, J. W.; T. Ganter, Treasurer; T. H. Benton, Secretary; D. B. Howard, S. D., Charles Rohrick, J. D. and John McClellan, Tiler. Lincoln Chapter, No. 6, R. A. M. This division of the order was organized June 23, 1870 and now has a membership of eighty-four, with the following officers: James Tyler, H. P.; R. P. R. Miller, K.; Edward L. Stahl, S.; John McManigue, C. H.; J. H. Foxworth, P. S.; George Tucker, R. A. C.; A. M. Davis, Third V.; M. B. Harris, Second V.; T. H. Benton, First V.; D. Newman, Treasurer; S. B. Linderman, Secretary. Mount Moriah Commandery, No. 4, Knights Templar. This section of the Masonic fraternity was the second organized, whose existence dates from 1871. It has sixty-five members, with the following officers, J. K. Marly, E. C., Jos. Tyler, Gen'l.; D. Newman, C. G.; Ed. L. Stahl, Rec. Illustrious Sir Judge Harry A. Spencer Honored Most Worshipful Brother, 33rd Degree, and Illustrious Sir Noble Judge Harry A. Spencer accepts plaque for 75th anniversary in Masonry. A very fine presentation by Most Worshipful Sir James F. Brown, Jr. and W.B. Milford Sears of Northstar Lodge #227 presented a plaque to Most Worshipful Brother Harry Spencer for 75 years of service to Masonry. This recognition was given in his honor at the Nebraska Masonic Home where he resides on November 19th, 2000. Judge Harry Spencer entered masonry in 1925. He received the degrees in Scottish Rite Masonry and was awarded the 33rd degree white hat. In 1962, Noble Spencer served as Illustrious Potentate of Sesostris Temple. In 1964, He served as Grand Master of Masons of Nebraska. After the presentation, Judge Spencer gave a very gracious acceptance speech. He thanked all for coming out on a very blustery day. After a welcome speech by Mary Stapp, she invited all who were in attendance to cake and coffee. Masonic Historical Information Through the efforts of our Past Most Excellent Companions and Right Eminent Sir Knights, William R. Bowen, and Francis E. White, Grand Secretary -Recorders of their time, we, of Nebraska York Rite Bodies are very fortunate to have the records of their correspondences between the Chapters, Councils and Commanderies in Nebraska. We still have these records despite fires and a long span of time, app 140 years. These Right Eminent, Companions, & Brothers kept this information in chronological order which includes, dispensations, charters, or copies thereof, records of elected officers, demits, and correspondence between officers and grand officers, deaths, and other historical information in the form of newspaper clippings and program announcements from the period of app. 1865 to 1920 and beyond. Through the efforts of Right Eminent Sir Knight Jay Speck, Grand Secretary - Recorder and Excellent Companion William Hurst, Grand Historian, these records are being preserved by the Nebraska State Historical Society. If anyone would like to research the History of their Chapter, Council or Commandery, they are on file at the Nebraska State Historical Society in Lincoln, Ne. The following York Rite Bodies are on File: CHAPTERS
COUNCILS
COMMANDERIES
OTHER STATES YORK RITE COMMUNICATIONS
Article: As our Historical Journey in Masonry begins in Nebraska around the time of the Civil War, It is just fitting that we repeat this story of how "Taps" was born: We have heard the haunting song, "Taps". It's the song that gives us the lump in our throats and usually creates tears in our eyes. Reportedly, it all began in 1862 during the Civil War, when Union Army Captain Robert Ellicombe was with his men near Harrison's Landing in Virginia. The Confederate Army was on the other side of the narrow strip of land. During the night, Captain Ellicombe heard the moans of a soldier who lay severely wounded on the field. Not knowing if it was a Union or Confederate soldier, The Captain decided to risk his life and bring the stricken man back for medical attention. Crawling on his stomach, through the gunfire, the Captain reached the stricken soldier and began pulling him toward his encampment. When the Captain finally reached his own lines, he discovered it was actually a Confederate soldier, but the soldier was dead. The Captain lit a lantern and suddenly caught his breath and went numb with shock. In the dim light, he saw the face of the soldier. It was his own son. The boy had been studying music in the South when the war broke out. Without telling his father, the boy had enlisted in the Confederate Army. The following morning, heartbroken, the father asked permission of his superiors to give his son a full military burial despite his enemy status. His request was only partially granted. The Captain had asked if he could have a group of Army band members play a funeral dirge for his son at the funeral. The request was turned down since the soldier was a Confererate. But, out of respect for the father, they did say they could give him only one musician. The Captain chose a bugler. He asked the bugler to play a series of musical notes he had found on a piece of paper in the pocket of the dead youth's uniform. This wish was granted. The haunting melody, we know now as "Taps" used in military funerals was born. The following is the three verses sung to "Taps": Verse #1: Day is done - Gone the sun - From the Lakes - From the hills - From the sky. All is well - Safely rest - God is nigh. Verse #2: Fading light - Dims the sight - And a star - Gems the sky - Gleaming bright - From afar - drawing nigh - Falls the night. Verse #3: Thanks and praise - For our days - Neath the sun - Neath the stars - Neath the sky - As we go - This we know - God is nigh. This comes to us from [Shriners 2000] by Brother and Noble Errol B. Sturt of Paul Revere Lodge #998, Des Plaines Lodge #890, Scottish Rite, Valley of Chicago, Medinah Temple, Chicago, Ill. who received this from a brother. He writes: I too, have felt chills while listening to "Taps", but I have never seen all the words to the song until now. I didn't even know there was more than one verse. I also never knew the story behind the song. I now have an even deeper respect for the song than I did before. MEMORIAL DAY OBSERVANCE AT LINCOLN MEMORIAL PARK On May 28th, 2001, Memorial Day, at 11:00 A.M., this editor witnessed a very fine program by the Lincoln Memorial Day Observance Association. This program was held inside Gate #2 at Lincoln Memorial Park. The Color Guard of the Lincoln Civil War Reenactors accompanied by the Lincoln Lutheran Fife and Drum Corp presented the colors. A flyover of Two Blackhawks of the 24th Medical Air Ambulance Company of the Nebraska Army National Guard and a little later One KC-135R Stratotanker of the Nebraska Air National Guard stired the spirits of the audience. Greetings were given by Edward Hoffman of the Lincoln Memorial Day Observance Association. Introductions were made by Greg Holloway, LMDOA Co-Chair and Officer of the Day. Noble Cliff Lant, General Manager of Lincoln Memorial Park was introduced and gave his welcome to the Park and for the Observance. The Invocation was given by Reverend John Carter. Noble Doug Duey of Sesostris Shrine Legion of Honor led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of our Country and Laurie Lewis gave a stiring rendition of our National Anthem. Thomas Morrissey, the Parade Chair, placed the Memorial wreath in honor of our fallen comrades. Merle A. Rudebusch of the Sons of Union Veterans was introduced and he gave General John A. Logan's Proclamation. Then, Brigadier General, Edward H. Green, Asst.. Adjutant General of the Nebraska Air National Guard was introduced and as guest speaker, gave a very fine Memorial to our Armed Services. Gailen Young, of the Vietnam Veterans of Foreign Wars #10617, presented the Steven D. Gilbaugh Award to Reverend Donald Coleman for his service and compassion to Vietnam Vets. Noble Richard N. Meyer was introduced and a Special Presentation was given to him and to the crew of LST 325. This tribute was paid him: USS LST 325 - The story of USS LST (landing ship tank) 325 began during World War Two when 1051 of these vessels were built especially for wartime use and only 28 of them were sunk. After the war, the remaining ships were divided up among the various countries such as Taiwan, Korea, Japan, and other countries. Our own Lincoln native, Richard Meyer, served on LST 944 during the war and is a member of the United States LST Association.
Noble Richard N. Meyer of the USS LST 325 Mr. Meyer joined a crew of energetic senior sailors, ages 68 to 87 and undertook the mission of four months of cleaning, scraping, repairing, and loading supplies aboard LST 325 in preparation on bringing her back to Mobile, Alabama where she would become a permanent museum. The U.S. Coast Guard had warned they could not survive the 45 day trip. Yet, on November 10th, 2000 the crew set sail from Greece and arrived in Mobile on January 10th, 2001. The Country is proud of Mr. Meyer's accomplishments as we are of the entire crew and all Veterans who have given us the right and privilege to be here today. After Noble Richard Meyer's notations pertaining to the rescue of LST 325, American Legion Post #3 gave a 21 gun salute. Taps and Echo was given by Worshipful Brother Lumir A. Vajgrt ( Lou Arnold) Past Master of Liberty Lodge #300, and Post Commander of American Legion Post #3. The benediction was given by Reverend John Carter and dismissal by Greg Holloway. As a final tribute, and a fitting finale, many white doves were released and circled the assembly three times in token of the peace our country now enjoys because of our men and women in uniform. Memorial Day "MOMENT OF REMEMBRANCE" The White House Commission on the National Moment of Remembrance was established by Congress December 28, 2000 to honor our fellow Americans who died in service to our Nation. Specifically, the Commission's goal is to put "memorial" back into Memorial Day, and in this effort I ask for your help. The true meaning of Memorial Day has been forgotten by many. Most Americans treat the holiday as just another day to go shopping or welcome the start of summer vacations. In fact, the idea for the 'Moment' was born when children touring our Nation's capital were asked what Memorial Day meant, and responded, "That's the day the pools open." The 'National Moment of Remembrance' is an effort to change that - to reclaim Memorial Day as a sacred and noble holiday to honor our fellow Americans who paid the ultimate price for our freedom. The President has given the 'Moment' his personal support and asks everyone to participate in this initiative. I ask you - whether you will be with family or friends, or even alone - to join at 3:00 p.m. local time on Memorial Day, May 28, 2001 in any of the following ways: 1) Simply stop what you are doing and pause for one minute of informal reflection for our fallen heroes. 2) If driving a vehicle, you may turn on your vehicle's headlights. 3) If you plan to visit a loved one's gravesite on Memorial Day, do so at 3:00 p.m. and pause for the 'Moment of Remembrance.' The uniqueness of the 'National Moment of Remembrance' campaign is that it is designed to encourage the participation of Americans of all ages, however and wherever they are spending America's day of remembrance. Please inform your friends and people in your community about the 'Moment.' This proud new tradition will do more than preserve Memorial Day. It will help encourage others to serve our Nation. Your participation in this shared remembrance will help unite the country and reinforce our Nation's core values. A 'moment' of silent reflection is an act of American unity for all those who bought our freedom with their lives. It is a moment every American can spare. On behalf of the millions who have died in service to our country and the families they left behind, I thank you for your support. Tommy G. Thompson, U. S. Government Representative This message was made possible through the efforts of Fred O. Wyant, Past Grand Commander, Knights Templar of Nebraska, and Shrine Noble Leonard Sinkule, Director General, Sesostris Temple, Lincoln, Nebraska.
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